August 2011 Swindon Link

No. 351 August 2011 • Circulation 27,000

on paper, online - the positive newsforce in Swindon

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inspirational education indian • tandoori • chinese japanese • sushi • thai malaysian childcare with love • vietnamese live bbq grill • dim sum Roald Dahl’s wonderful story of the wily Fantastic Mr Fox comes to the lawn in front of Lydiard House. Will he be able to protect his family?

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Respite centre for families launched Hop, Skip & Jump, the much needed activity and support centre for children with profound disabilities and learning needs has opened at Upper Shaw Farm - see page 13.

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Former Bradon Forest School student Rhian Rees is making her way in the tough world of film and theatre, and has just completed a film with Pete Doherty. See page 2

!

Jodie Henderson from Nova Hreod School, who spent a week on work placement with The Link in July, displays her photographic talent on page 28

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Bringing together talents in performance and writing A former Bradon Forest pupil is making her way in the tough and uncertain world of theatre, film and television, which, for her, has been full of surprises and possibilities.

Rhian Rees, 25, who attended Brook Field primary in her younger days, has just returned from Germany, working with a mostly French speaking crew filming a French period drama Confession of a Child of the Century. However the film is played in English with a cast that includes Pete Doherty, Charlotte Gainsbourg and supermodel Lily Cole.

“It’s amazing how things can suddenly take you in a different direction,” said Rhian. “I had come back to Europe after several months in America and was working in a Shakespeare bookshop in Paris when my agent asked me to attend an audition for the film. I had been such a fan of The Libertines and to work with Pete was incredible.”

Rhian admits that she didn’t enjoy drama at school but had been a member of Swindon Young Actors.

“I remember being a shy observer of what was going on around me.

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there were different avenues into theatre and drama; it wasn’t until I went to Cirencester College that I started to see where my interest in writing could take me.”

She went onto a film studies degree at Roehampton University where she majored in creative writing.

This was followed by a young writers course at London’s Royal Court Theatre.

“It was an amazingly intense few months studying play writing with experienced established practitioners,” said Rhian.

“My only experience had been shows for my sisters to perform in for our parents at home.”

Whilst at the Royal Court Rhian was encouraged to attend drama school, but she went to Los Angeles in 2010 where she secured a US agent and managed to have a couple of her plays performed before her visa ran out and she returned to Paris.

She is currently working on a short film in New York with some film students.

Rhian on set in Germany

“It’s been a twisting turning career so far but I cannot think of doing anything different,” said Rhian.

“Looking back, anybody who wants to pursue a career in theatre has to have a deep commitment. Don’t expect everything to go smoothly and it will be really hard work.”

• Confession of a Child of the Century is an autobiographical tale by Musset dramatising his celebrated love affair with George Sand, which lasted from 1833 to 1835. The film is set to be released at the end of this year.

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Happy birthday to the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

challenge e always nd and the sy, which roud to be.

nment, Mr Punch, ians will mance.

doesn’t erland? In e of hide er children still, the

It’s 21 years since Macmillan Cancer Support launched its annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and, to celebrate, they want to break all records at this year’s fundraiser on Friday 30 September.

A staggering £8.1 million was raised in 2010 to help Macmillan provide medical, financial and emotional support for people living with cancer, with Wiltshire residents contributing whole £83,000.family gets involved in the final battle between There’s Alice andalso the anQueen, and there are masks, hats and other reason to celebanners to be made at the Alice in Wonderland brate as 2011 marks themed workshop, Makendoo.

Mayor of Swindon Ray Ballman launching this year’s the centenary of the The charity’s founda- World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in mid-July with Swindon tion by Douglas fundraising chair Jill Greenaway and Macmillan intern JenSparky the Robot nifer is a Poolman. genuinePhoto: robot no human Jodiewith Henderson Macmillan. parts at all tonsinofSwindon personality.“The At two metresthing tall, is that wonderful Nearly 70and people people can get involved have already signed upmusic, to hold he talks, dances, plays squirts water and causesat a level coffee morning, either at their they are comfortable with - ask a aahome, sensation wherever he goes. Sparky is made from a place of work, school, college few friends around, join up with fascinating array ofPolly recycled materials. some neighbours, or talk to the or at a special event.

Bishop, Macmillan fundraising manager for boss to agree an event at work. And Wiltshire said, “we’re off to a great coffee can be taken at any time, so Don’t miss out on Swindon's biggest free festival! start, but we need many, many more when you organise your fundraisFor more information, and toing keep upis to date on event up to you.” people to get involved if we’re going For details the World’s Biggest toinformation reach our ambitious target. We’re regarding the Big Arts Day, of visit urging people to start making plans Coffee Morning call 0845 602 1246 www.bigartsday.co.uk now, rather than leave it to the last or register at www.macmillan.org. uk/coffee minute.”

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The Wiltshire & Swindon Youth Orchestra formed in the 1960s and are recognised for their high quality performances. The conductor will be Timothy Redmond, who has been Principal Conductor of the Cambridge Philharmonic, and has worked with many of Britain’s leading orchestras.

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They will be joined by vocalist Camilla Kerslake, the first artist to sign to Gary Barlow’s new record label. Her debut album was nominated for ‘Best Album’ at the 2010 Classical BRIT Awards.

Entertaining us during the interval will be local artist Danni Marsh.

Tickets available from the Arts Centre Office in person or by calling 01793 614837, Visitor Information Centre or online at www.swindontickets.co.uk Advance bookings: Tickets £16, Senior Citizens £12, Under 16s £9, Family £40, Parties 10th ticket free. Only one concession applicable at a time.

On the door: Tickets £18, Senior Citizens £14, Under 16s £10, Family £46.

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

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Traffic for big events in Lydiard Park needs to be sorted out says West Forum

For a warm summer’s evening attracting 30 people to the West Swindon Forum on 11 July was an encouraging turnout, according to the new chairperson councillor Mary Martin.

As usual a wide range of topics police said that there had been a were covered with traffic manage- 17.4 per cent reduction in reported ment in Grange Park for the Big crime across West Swindon, with Arts Day (BAD) in Lydiard Park particular reductions in vehicle on 9 July attracting a lot of negative crime.

Dog bins were raised in the discomment.

The majority opinion was that the cussion and whilst there is no budBig Arts Day was an excellent event get for extra bins, borough waste but people living close to the three manager Richard Fisher was asked main access points in Grange Park to undertake a review of where dog were angry about the large number bins are located.

Mr Fisher attended the meeting of vehicles parked in already tight cul-de-sacs. There were chaotic to provide an update on Phase 3 of scenes on Hay Lane in The Prin- Shaw Forest Park which is nearing nels which had been turned into completion. After considerable a bus only route. Drivers who had landscaping of the former landfill ignored advice signs had to turn over the last 18 month, the projaround when they found the road ect will be completed by the end of August. He said the site will had been blocked.

Several people commented that have to lie undisturbed for five to there were people wandering seven years to allow settlement around Grange Park with drink and any methane gas problems to in hand. The police said there had be revealed before there is general been three arrests compared with public access.

Several residents commented eighteen in 2010.

Coun Martin said traffic manage- that the reed beds close to Sparment would be a major item at a cells, built to cope with low level contaminated rain water run off BAD debrief.

In response to speeding in 20mph from Shaw Forest, has become a zones, residents were surprised by haven for wildlife. Richard Fisher the police statement that they were would like to hear from volunteers not permitted to use speed guns willing to carry out observations in these areas. It was agreed to ask in the areas. To contact him about Robert Buckland MP to look into dog bin location and to become a wildlife ranger, mail: REFisher@ this urgently.

The police reported the annual swindon.gov.uk The West Swindon Forum meets problem of mini-motos being ridden on footpaths and in parks every other month and provides had started again and appealed a meeting point for residents and for reports. As a result of tip-offs the eight councillors representing from residents three cars had been the three Swindon Council wards impounded for tax related offences, in the area. To raise issues of community interest mail: Bernie Branone found with drugs on board.

Since the last meeting in May, the nan - BBrannan@swindon.gov.uk

Swindon Publications Ltd. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead, Swindon SN5 7EX Tel: (01793) 608840 e: publisher@swindonlink.com

Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840

Editorial for September by 5 August Published: 27 August Copy for October: 2 September ‘Like’ Swindon Link

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“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 unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission.

Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks. Printed by pcp, Telford

22/07/2011 10:29

swindonlink.com • August 2011

5

MP to investigate press regulation North MP chairs global education group

Swindon South MP Robert Buckland has been appointed to the powerful Parliamentary committee to investigate privacy and press intrusion, and media regulation.

“This committee will be at the heart of the debate and will be able to call for evidence and witnesses,” said Robert. “The Murdoch/News International/phone hacking imbroglio has given urgency to the many issues that have been building up for years around press intrusion.

“My main concern is that members of the public are able to seek and achieve redress when they fall victim to media misconduct, for example the hacking of private data. It shouldn’t just be for the wealthy who can resort to the law.

“On the nature of regulation, I believe that the current system of complete self-regulation is not working and that we need to move to a model used in other walks of life, where regulators that are independent of Government operate within a statutory framework.

“The committee has a wide remit which will contribute to a new relationship between Parliament as representatives of the people and the press.”

Lights extinguished to save money

A 12 month experiment to save £20,000 on Swindon Council’s £600,000 streetlighting bill started in mid-July with the majority of the 433 lights (2 per cent of the town’s total) being switched off on roads in West and East Swindon.

Freshbrook and Grange Park councillor Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet member for transport said, “energy costs are only going to rise over time, and we are among many councils trialling this idea.

“Swindon is not going to be plunged into darkness – most roads will be unaffected. We’ve been very careful to make sure the roads where the lights are being switched off don’t have footpaths or cycleways and carry motorised traffic only. None are estate roads.”

Bridge separates walkers and cyclists from speeding trains

A public footpath from West Swindon to the fields to the south of the London to Bristol railway lines has been made a great deal safer after the completion of a pedestrian/cycle bridge.

Justin Tomlinson MP has been elected as the co-chair of the 'Global Education For All' All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), set up to support efforts to achieve universal education.

In 2000 world leaders pledged that every child would receive a full basic education by 2015. Justin said, “there has been huge progress since then, but 67 million children are still out of school.

“The APPG is active, having already held events on girls education, community involvement in education in Nigeria, and the Education for All fast track initiative, which is the leading multilateral funding organisation for education.

"I’m thrilled to be elected as the chair of the group and am delighted that Swindon Academy, Ruskin Junior School, Crowdys Hill and Isambard have signed up to the 'Send my Sister to School' campaign, in which schoolchildren learn about

the stories of girls around the world who are missing out on education due to poverty and discrimination.

“Working with fellow MPs it is vital we continue to support efforts to make sure every child receives a full basic education by 2015"

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Now, with housing development at West Wichel to start at some point in the future, the bridge ensures walkers and cyclists will be sepa-

1-20 August 11.indd 5

rated from the rolling stock racing out of Swindon or approaching the town.

The £2.09 million cost was met by a Department for Communities & Local Government grant to Swindon Council.

Toothill councillor Steve Wakefield welcomed the bridge. “The route was very dangerous for pedestrians and it’s good that walkers and cyclists now have a safe route to cross the line.”

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Toothill million comes closer - slowly

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People living in Toothill want the Big Lottery £1 million grant to their area spent on improvements to open spaces, the return of toddler play areas, refurbishment of the community centre, youth sports and social activities and more things to do in their own community.

Bridge, sewing, craft clubs and meeting heard that grants from the education courses are just some of £1 million lottery allocation for comthe suggestions put forward at the munity development projects are consultation exercise that took place unlikely to take place until Spring at Toothill Festival on 7 May. Resi- 2012, although the announcement dents also need more information be- about the Big Local programme was cause many people were asking for made in August last year.

This is because the trust which activities or groups which already exist in the area, such as the Good will administer the £200m Big Local Companions social group for older funds nationally is only just being folk and Toothill junior youth club. established.

In the meantime a further £20,000, The findings of the consultation were presented on 18 July but the in addition to an initial £10,000 spent on the festival and consultation exercise, is being made available FOR ALL YOUR PRINT & for further consultation and to start small scale community projects.

DIGITAL REQUIREMENTS Martyn Cowell, headteacher of IN WEST SWINDON Toothill Primary School, where the ARTWORK & DESIGN • WEBSITES meeting was held, said he was enLITHO / DIGITAL PRINTING couraged that the people of the area LARGE FORMAT • CANVAS PRINTS were being given the opportunity STATIONERY • NCR PADS, AND MORE to come together to make it better in the long term.

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55+ in the North North Swindon resident Jane Burbridge would like to hear from over-55s in Abbey Meads, Priory Vale, St Andrews Ridge, Redhouse and Oakhurst, who are interested in forming a social group to help maintain communication and connection with other people, and prevent feelings of isolation.

Jane’s vision is to create a friendship hub with the option to do some sort of craft or to make things for the garden. She said, “we might also consider planning outings and to meet up over a meal.

“I’m sure that there are people who would appreciate the opportunity to get together, share a joke and a chat, and make new friends.”

To express your interest contact Jane on 724574.

Mind & body event in North Swindon

Vicky Gleed who runs Positive Lifestyle Changes is putting together a ‘Re-energise’ fundraising day in aid of Cancer Research at Isambard Community School in North Swindon during the Autumn.

She would like to hear from anyone who works in the mind and • See the consultation report and body field. Contact Vicky on 07795 festival photos at www.mytoothill. 098810 or mail: info@positivelifeorg.uk stylechanges.co.uk

22/07/2011 14:40

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Oakhurst residents demand answers to incinerator proposal

The story in the July Link about the proposal in the draft Wiltshire and Swindon Waste Site Allocations Development Plan dated June 2011 for a waste to energy installation at the Chapel Farm landfill to the north of the proposed 1,700 Tadpole Farm development, has stimulated alarm amongst residents of North Swindon.

Oakhurst Residents’ Association members have been investigating and have discovered waste will be brought in to burn in new ‘cutting edge’ technology incinerators.

In the July Link council planning officer Ian Halsall said, “the council is promoting community wide approaches to renewable energy with preference to district heating systems, as set out in our draft Core Strategy.

“We are keen to investigate the opportunities of utilising Chapel Farm as a resource to generate energy and Crest are happy to work with us on this.”

waste policy first conceived in 2005, five pyrolysis plants were proposed at sites across Swindon, the first being at Waterside, the council’s recycling centre and headquarters of Swindon Commercial Services.

Pyrolysis is an evolving technology where waste material is heated to very high levels without using oxygen. The size of plants for each site is determined according to local need but to maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness a plant is likely to run 24/7.

Residual waste will be brought to the site by lorries where it will have to be stored until it is ground

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However Stephanie Exell, secretary of Oakhurst Residents’ Association (ORA) said her members are deeply concerned by the proposition and the fact that councillors have been telling residents not to worry about the facility.

“ORA has been trying to ascertain the facts about what kind of waste–to-energy facility is going to be installed at Tadpole Farm/ Chapel Farm. The latest information received from the local ward councillors has been that the methane from the existing landfill site will be used to generate heat for a district heating scheme at Tadpole Farm.

“We have asked repeatedly whether any municipal solid waste will be used in this process and have been told ‘no.’

“However, after detective work

by ORA members, the council has confirmed that residual waste will almost certainly be used at some stage to power a new pyrolysis plant which will be constructed as part of the Tadpole Farm development and Chapel Farm expansion. It means waste will have to be imported to the site, certainly down Blunsdon Hill and under the A419 and it’s possible that lorries will carry waste up Oakhurst Way.” As part of Swindon Council’s

1-20 August 11.indd 7

up into small pieces and fed into the plant.

Stephanie said ORA has many questions about the project. “We’re particularly concerned that local elected representatives and borough officers have not kept us in touch. Chapel Farm was supposed to be discussed at the North Swindon Cluster meeting on 7 July but the item was dropped from the agenda. Why? “Crest Homes, who want to build 1,700 at Tadpole Farm, originally objected to the proposed ‘Energy from Waste’ operations because the potential of odour, noise and visual impact on a future community.

“We’re very worried about the extensive pre-treatment processes required to be able to handle municipal solid waste. How is this to be done and how will this material get to the site?

“The by-product of this high temperature incineration is ash and carbon char and we’re worried about its disposal as well as emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

We need to be convinced that dust, bioaerosol and odours won’t have an impact on people living closeby.”

Read more and comment on the waste report via the ORA site @ http://bit.ly/oakhurstresidents

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Roll up, roll up for the best summer holiday activity of all Circus Stars is this year’s easy to take part in Summer Reading Challenge™ – just read six books during the summer through your local library.

Children are given a 3-dimensional stage and a set of incentives to collect as they read, with a certificate and medal for those who successfully complete the challenge.

And to get children reading, they will receive a 2-for-1 swimming voucher at a Swindon pool after reading just three books.

Last year children read 9,232 books through the summer as part of the challenge. This year library staff want children to read 10,000

links children with top authors and and share reading ideas.

Circus Stars runs until Saturday illustrators whilst giving them time to talk about their favourite books 10 September.

Bottle of bubbly for book group

West Swindon Readers’ Group received a bottle of champagne from Swindon Borough Council’s Head of Libraries, Allyson Jordan, to books.

In August children can put their celebrate being the 500th group to register on the Reading Agency’s arty side to the test with some big new Reading Groups database. top craft sessions - local libraries will be advertising details.

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The bottle was presented to Allyson at a Reading Agency conference in March when, to her surprise, she was invited on stage.

Group coordinator librarian Tracey Dowling, said, “we’re now 8 years old and currently reading our eightieth book - Every Dead Thing by John Connolly. It must have been an immaculate sense of timing to register at the winning moment.”

The Reading Agency database now lists 1,300 readers groups nationwide, including nine in Swindon, although this is not the

complete picture.

“There are at least 14 groups that are attached to Swindon libraries, but anyone can set up their own group, and the libraries can help you with books,” said Tracey. “Reading and sharing books is such a nice social thing which has the potential to bring communities together. My aim is to have a reading group in every street.”

To join a group or find out how to set one up, contact Tracey Dowling on 465554 or mail: tdowling@ swindon.gov.uk

August deadline for World Book Night 2012 Next year the second ever World Book Night will be celebrated on 23 April, UNESCO’s designated international day of the book.

To see your favourite titles appear in the top 25 of the nation’s best-loved books, register your very own literary top ten at www.worldbooknight.org before the end of August.

Next April 20,000 people will be giving away 24 copies each of the top 25 books, with more copies being distributed to hospitals, prisons and workplaces.

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Longer and more convenient hours in a Swindon library

Whilst councils across the land have been cutting back on library services, from 4 July Swindon Council Library Services started to offer longer opening hours, with West and North Swindon Libraries adding an extra 10 hours a week each, and Highworth open an extra eight.

Swindon has the fourth highest number of libraries per head of population for all English unitary authorities with 15 branches and a mobile unit.

A recent consultation of both library users and non-users found that those surveyed wanted longer opening hours.

Coun Keith Williams, who became responsible for libraries in May as part of his cabinet brief for Leisure and Corporate Services, said, “we are extremely proud of our library service and our commitment to making it even better.

“We are determined to keep our libraries open when other councils are closing them; our investment and the fact we are extending opening hours shows how much the council values this service.”

The extra hours have been made possible by centralising the enquiry service and changing staff timetables.

The council’s library strategy also supports local communities to establish new library access points in the future if there is a need. It also sets out an intention to work with the community to extend the opening hours of the town’s smaller libraries.

Big reading programme for Keith Williams.

Photo: Jodie Henderson

9

Library in the home Home Library is a free service run

by WRVS volunteers in partnership with Swindon Council library service.

It’s aimed at residents of Swindon who: • have a long or short term disability, or illness which prevents them from getting to a library, or, • because of a disability they find it difficult to carry books home.

Whatever your need, Home Library coordinator Maria Bastin is more than happy to discuss how the service can assist in providing books, music CDs, books on tape or CD and a selection of DVDs. For details contact her on 07769 281666 or mail: home.library@ swindon.gov.uk

Opening hours at: North Swindon Library: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

10am - 6pm Wednesday, Friday 10am - 7pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 12noon - 4pm West Swindon Library: Monday and Wednesday

9.30am - 5pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

9.30am - 7pm Saturday 9.30am - 4pm

First people arrive at The Triangle Housing provision in Swindon achieved a milestone in July when people started to move into The Triangle site in Rodbourne, the first eco-home project completed

by Kevin McCloud’s HAB development company, in association with Green Square Housing Association. See the full story at http://bit. ly/trianglekmc

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Kevin helping to start the communal veg garden with Lacey Todd, 3

Open: Mon to Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm Sun 10.30am – 4.30pm Willoby's Furniture Co. 34 Wood Street Old Town Swindon Wiltshire SN1 4AB

Tel: 01793 693696 info@willobysfurniture.co.uk www.willobysfurniture.co.uk

1-20 August 11.indd 9

21/07/2011 09:34

10 swindonlink.com • August 2011 Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon 01793 526691 Open 7 days a week

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Musical extravaganza all about Swindon to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebration

Students and teachers of the Janice Thompson Performance Trust (JTP Trust) are delighted that the Swindon public backed their bid in a television phone vote at the end of July to secure £60,000 as part of the People’s Million lottery grant to stage an opera about the town.

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The Mayor of Swindon Ray Ballman with JPT performers at ‘The Boys Entertain Concert’ in May at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill

Having now received the cheque from The Big Lottery Fund, the project to create ‘Swindon: The Opera - A musical extravaganza for the 21st Century’ can now be turned into a reality for Summer 2012.

The opera will chart Swindon’s history since the Queen’s accession, with performances forming the centre piece of the town’s celebration of her diamond jubilee.

Janice Thompson, director of the JTP Trust, said, “we are absolutely delighted and are very thankful to the people of Swindon and the surrounding areas for all their encouragement and support.

“I think the ‘phone lines all over Swindon were red hot with people voting for us.”

Matt Fox, JTP trustee added, “the roof nearly came off the studio when we heard we’d won. We’re looking forward to delivering a professional musical extravaganza involving people in the community, from toddlers to those who have lived in Swindon over the past 60 years or more.”

Internationally acclaimed composer Betty Roe MBE and Matt will

write the opera and school children involved in the project will be given extra vocal training by the professional singing teachers within the trust.

The trust is the only vocal educational charity in the town, aiming to promote, improve, develop and widen public education and appreciation of vocal music through classes, workshops and the presentation of recitals and concerts.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to offer more scholarship classes around Swindon, for those who wish to partake in singing lessons but do not have the means.

Matt Fox said, “once we have booked the venue, we will release the performance dates which will enable the audience to reserve those times in their diaries. We will deliver an explosion of entertainment which will appeal to all ages and tastes. It will be an historic occasion for Swindon, not to be missed.”

For details of the JPT, call 07876 766088 or mail: yaptheatrecompany@gmail.com www.jtptrust.org

22/07/2011 10:40

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Opera classics to raise cash for cancer fight

A quartet of opera singers will be in fine voice at a concert in August to raise money for Tami Brown from Abbey Meads.

Her old school friend Louise Lloyd is bringing together professional graduates of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to perform well known classics by Mozart, Bizet, Puccini, Verdi and popular show numbers by Rogers & Hammerstein and Julian LloydWebber on 20 August, 7.30pm, at Bath Road Methodist Church, Old Town.

Soprano Louise will be joined by mezzo soprano Lilly Papaioannou, Above, Tami with Louise. Below, Tami tenor Paul Curievici, bass baritone with Samantha Cotterill, one a team of Barnaby Rea and Jennifer Carter friends who organised at ball at Liquid & Envy in March which raised £1,300 on piano.

Earlier this year Tami Brown Photos: Kris Talikowski from Abbey Meads started a revoShe said, “Louise is an old friend lutionary and controversial course of mine from Highworth Warneford of treatment to try and reverse the School; it’s wonderful that she and damage cancer has caused right her colleagues are willing to put on across her body by taking high this amazing concert to raise money levels of pharmacological dose for my treatment. You won’t be vitamin C by intravenous infusion. disappointed, please come along.”

11

Foster for Swindon e - Providing a Hom People Like You Make a big difference to children and young people in Swindon. Foster.

01793 465700 familyplacement@swindon.gov.uk www.swindon.gov.uk

Tickets are £12 each and £10 concessions (including Warneford School pupils and teachers past and present) from Sharon or Phil Lloyd on 706484 or email: sharon_lloyd@ hotmail.co.uk • Get a taster of what’s in store on 20 August with Louise covering the Whitney Houston classic ‘I will Always Love You’ at http://bit.ly/ tami-opera

Midnight walk raises money for victims of domestic violence

Supporters and service users of Hometruths, a new Swindon-based social enterprise dedicated to supporting women and men over the age of 16 who are victims of domestic violence, took part in the Thamesdown Rotary Club’s Walkley Midnight Walk on 11 June, to raise money for their organisation.

“Our aims are to promote survi- is free and confidential so that we vors’ safety in Swindon & Wiltshire can help sooner and provide valuand to set up groups, projects and able support before things escalate.”

One service user said, “after that services to reduce the risks and levels of harm that individuals first phone call to Hometruths I felt so relieved. The understanding and suffer,” said Kim. “Domestic violence survivors support is something you cannot are amazing people who have to buy or put a price on. When I came contend with a very controlled off the phone even my new partner and isolated existence. They live saw the difference in me.”

Hometruths receives funding via in fear and confusion, often feeling ashamed and guilty. There are many grants and from Swindon Council, who do not report to the police or as well as through independent other agencies. Hometruths offers fund-raising efforts, such as the an opportunity for every survivor Walkley Walk.

It has recently secured funding to have a voice. It unlocks the truth on domestic abuse through under- for its New Beginnings programme, standing and supporting people which will launch in September, with information and advocacy to providing structured support for women who have recently left an increase their safety.”

“On average, victims of domestic abusive relationship, to realise their violence will endure 35 incidences own potential within their combefore they report their circum- munity and family life.

For more information visit www. stances to the police, which can feel like a very drastic step. Our service hometruths.coop

1-20 August 11.indd 11

22/07/2011 10:41

12 swindonlink.com • August 2011

‘One Swindon’ is the way forward Swindon Council faces great challenges to deliver value for money services expected of it by the taxpayer, whilst coping with considerable cutbacks in its revenue.

Chief Executive Gavin Jones, below, explains the strategy being adopted to achieve this aim Annual General Meeting Tuesday 6 September, 7.15am for 7.30pm start.

Civic Offices, Euclid Street Discover more about the partnership with Swindon’s twin town in Nicaragua and the projects supported by SOL For details call Bruce Clarke on 533338 or mail: b.clark22@ btinternet.com www.swindonocotal-link.org.uk

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One Swindon is our compass, our code, and our call to action, as we work together to help Swindon be the best place it can be. The council and its partners, including the NHS, the Police, Fire and Rescue and Probation, have all put One Swindon at the heart of how we manage public services in the future.

Many of us have experienced the challenges and rewards of bringing together a range of different people to work towards a common goal.

Whether it’s organising a gathering of family and friends to celebrate an important occasion, or galvanising a consortium of business partners to deliver a better product or service, we know that working together is both challenging and absolutely worth doing because it often makes success more likely.

We know we can work well together when we share a sustained focus on something that matters to us (our compass), put the pursuit of our common cause above our individual interests (our code), and encourage contributions from a wide range of people, appreciating that we all can make a positive contribution (our call to action).

One Swindon is the compass that keeps us focused on what matters to Swindon’s people, whilst we navigate the big changes and challenges in local public service. Over the coming years we will increasingly align our resources to the priorities and outcomes in One Swindon.

One Swindon is the code that guides how we will work together.

It sets the expectation that our public services will be characterised by trust, bravery, local and innovative solutions. It emphasises the value of constructive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.

One Swindon is a call to action that encourages a much wider range of local organisations and people to contribute to improving

Swindon; it also values the positive contribution already being made. A Delivery Plan exists to ground One Swindon in a series of meaningful actions and we invite local people and organisations to contribute to the outcomes and actions they feel mean most to them.

Some of our work on One Swindon will be less visible, for example as we more closely align our plans and resources and reduce our management costs. However, we will soon start to see further evidence of positive differences on the ground, including: • a much stronger local focus with an improved balance between local priorities and Swindon-wide objectives, and, • more emphasis on working alongside people and communities to better identify potential problems early, strip away barriers that prevent more people getting involved and help us to develop new collaborative solutions with local residents.

In doing so we will build on the partnerships established through the West Swindon Forum and the other cluster groupings that brings residents and councillors together.

22/07/2011 10:43

swindonlink.com • August 2011

13

Respite centre will fulfill great need

Families, friends, fundraisers and VIPs came together to launch the new Hop, Skip & Jump Centre at Upper Shaw Farm Centre in West Swindon on 15 July.

RENDEZVOUS GROUP OF RESTAURANTS BRINGS A BRAND NEW PAN ASIAN BUFFET EXPERIENCE TO SWINDON Robert Buckland opens the new centre with Carolyn and James Arkell

The centre will quickly become a lifeline to many families with children with severe disabilities and life limiting conditions, offering respite care, and essential support for parents coping with care responsibilities, as well activities for able bodied siblings involved in caring.

Before cutting the ribbon to open the former community centre, Robert Buckland MP said he had visited the Hop Skip & Jump Centre near Cheltenham and immediately took the idea to Swindon Council as an important initiative to pursue. “The transformation of the building is remarkable; it’s wonderful to know families can now start using it.”

The council has made a site available in Lydiard Park for a purpose built centre, but the recession made raising the £1 million cost impossible.

Earlier this year it offered the charity the disused community centre at Ridge Green. The probation service started by clearing the grounds and undertaking indoor demolition be-

fore volunteers from Zurich, Burmah and Thames Water pulled out the paint brushes.

The Rotary Club Swindon Old Town contributed £5,000 to the project. Member David Pratt said, “a couple of months ago, the farm was empty and disused, I am amazed with the conversion.”

Westlea School pupil Ben Morris, who is confined to a wheelchair by spinal muscular atrophy, said he enjoyed trying out the new play equipment and whizzing about the large hall in his powered wheelchair.

His dad Doug is delighted with the finished job. “It’s fantastic. Ben can be involved in supported play in a safe environment close to home, and we can get much-needed respite.

Travelling to Bristol or Cheltenham was hard; having a centre in Swindon is wonderful for parents whose children have major needs.” www.hopskipandjumpfoundation.org

• See the full story with more pictures at http://bit.ly/hsjopens

Mr Mok’s Asian attractions Swindon’s newest Pan-Asian buffet has opened on Commercial Road, offering a genuine taste of the Orient, with an enticing blend of Chinese, Indian, Sushi, Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine.

Alan Mok of the Rendezvous group, which is well established in the town, promises a dining experience that is high quality, intimate, and with a great atmosphere.

“We have Chinese, Indian and Japanese chefs all using the finest ingredients and preparing the best in regional cooking styles, including tandoori, fresh naans and sushi.”

indian • tandoori • chinese japanese • sushi • thai malaysian • vietnamese live bbq grill large selection deserts chocolate fountain plus much more!

Taking over the property that was formerly the Parasol, Mr Mok’s has been transformed into an ultra-modern restaurant, catering to customers’ needs at great value.

Prices start at £6.50 at lunchtimes with lower prices for children under 10 - see the advert. right.

“We have a ceiling high chocolate fountain and a wide selection of desserts, including waffles and soft icecream for the children,” said Alan.

“We want you to experience the wow factor; you will leave knowing Mr Mok’s is a great place for all the family to dine in the centre of town.”

NOW OPEN

booking advisable to avoid disappointment reserve your table now on

01793 488881 or online at www.mrmok.com

£12.80 weekday evenings £13.80 friday & saturday evenings £12.80 all day sundays / bank holidays only £6.50 lunchtime / child £4.00 children under 10 only £6.50 evenings/sundays

Win a meal for two, plus wine Alan is making available three prizes of a meal for two with a bottle of wine at Mr Mok’s to Link readers. It’s simple, just send your name and address to The Link (see page 4) and you could be heading for Swindon’s newest Asian fusion restaurant. Closing date: 15 August.

1-20 August 11.indd 13

www.mrmok.com

96-97 commercial road Swindon SN1 5PL

22/07/2011 15:06

14 swindonlink.com • August 2011

Ofsted report sets up Greendown to become Lydiard Park Academy

West Swindon’s secondary school Greendown in Grange Park has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted for the second time in succession.

This was an excellent achievement because under a new tougher inspection regime headteacher Clive Zimmerman was told that the inspectors would have to be convinced that the school should retain its status of being in the top 25 per cent of schools in the country.

The key points in the report recognise that:

• Achievement is good. Students’ positive attitudes and good behaviour play a key role in the quality of their learning in the classroom; • The quality of care, guidance and support students receive is good, and this ensures that they feel safe in the school; • The curriculum is good and has developed well since the last inspection; • Teaching is good. Teachers show enthusiasm for their subjects and have good subject knowledge;

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• Lessons are well planned, learning objectives are appropriately challenging and teachers provide support or extension where needed; • The headteacher and other senior leaders have a clear vision of where the school is going and this is shared across the school; • The tracking of students’ progress is rigorous and systems are understood well by students. There is regular monitoring of the work of departments; • Good arrangements for the care of students contribute well to their good Clive Zimmerman holding the Ofsted report and booklet describing what the Academy personal development. The will offer parents and children school focuses well on the Mr Zimmerman said, “Ofsted development of literacy as students visits have become much tougher enter the school; • The school is preparing students and more intense since the last inspection in 2008, with inspectors well for the future; The report concludes that the spending a lot of time observing school has a good capacity for fur- classes and assessing the school ther sustained improvement and generally. It is particularly pleasto reach the outstanding grade, it ing that Greendown has retained its position in the top quarter of needs to; schools in England.

• Be more systematic in ensur“We have made a promise to ing that the best assessment and parents and pupils that by the time feedback strategies are consistently we officially reopen as Lydiard applied; Park Academy in September 2012, • Develop staff training that is we will have implemented the bespoke to the identified develop- changes required by Ofsted and will ment needs of each teacher, so that be operating at a level that Ofsted all teaching is consistently good or describes as outstanding. better.

New look and enhanced offer from 25 year old school. Royal relaunch hoped for Although Greendown will technically achieve academy status from 1 August, it will spend a year implementing changes including a new uniform and logo, new colour scheme throughout the school and new literature, ready for the relaunch as Lydiard Park Academy in September 2012, exactly a quarter of a century after it opened in September 1986.

There will be two major specialist developments:

The new school logo based on the coat of arms of the St John family of Lydiard Park

• links with the Villiers Park Trust whereby teachers are trained to prepare pupils with academic aptitude to join a new gifted and talented programme in Year 10 which will see them individually tutored by Villiers Park staff towards a place at Oxford or Cambridge University; • the launch of the Lydiard Park Sports Academy as described in the July Link. In conjunction with Performance Development Systems, pupils with sporting talent will work to programmes tailored to the demands of training and education. This is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK. From September 2012 the Academy will be running a bus services from parts of North Swindon, and from Sparcells and Peatmoor, to make it easier for pupils from further afield to attend.

Princes Anne opened Greendown in April 1987. Lydiard Park Academy is making enquiries as to whether another royal visit might be possible.

22/07/2011 10:49

1-20 August 11.indd 15

21/07/2011 09:59

16 swindonlink.com • August 2011

St Francis head departs to launch new school

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Clive Westall, the first headteacher of St Francis Church of England Primary School in Taw Hill, from January 2004, said farewell on 22 July to take up the post of principal of another new school: Wellington Academy in Dubai.

Parting gift. Chair of governors Karen Silvester and some of the 2011 Year 6 leavers presents Clive with a line drawing of the school in front of the extension which opens in September

Unlike St Francis which started life in two mobiles whilst the permanent building was completed, after a late redesign, Wellington Academy will be sparkling and ready for its first intake aged 3 to 14.

With a catch in his throat, Clive said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at St Francis and it’s a wrench to leave. But the chance to work in another country and have responsibility for establishing the

ethos and culture of a new school is a very rare opportunity.”

When Clive arrived at St Francis there were 100 pupils on roll. It now has 235 pupils with an extension ready for occupation in September to allow for two more forms of entry, plus a new community room for Taw Hill.

• St Francis also said farewell to its first intake of children who started when the school opened in 2004.

22/07/2011 10:51

swindonlink.com • August 2011

17

Rendcomb College & Junior School A co-educational boarding & day school for 3-18 year olds

Would your child benefit from the exceptional Rendcomb educational experience?

To find out more, come along to our

Open Morning Saturday 24th September

Pre Prep now open.

Welcoming boys and girls aged 3-13 years.

Visits welcome at any time.

Giving our pupils the best preparation for the rest of their lives • Excellent Academic Results • A family environment which cares for the needs of the individual

OPEN DOOR DAY Pre-Prep & Prep School Friday 7 October 2011 - 9.30am - 3.30pm See Prior Park Prep in action on a normal school day.

T: 01793 750 275 E: prep@priorpark.co.uk www.thepriorfoundation.com 3-13 IAPS Boarding & Day Established Co-educational Catholic Preparatory School

01285 832306 info@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

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18 swindonlink.com • August 2011

Family Centre holds 30 years name relaunch open day West Swindon Family Centre is having an open day on Tuesday 23 August, 10am to 2pm, to mark thirty years since it came into being in Toothill, and to welcome the return to its original name after a time known as the West Swindon Children’s Centre.

There will be a children’s entertainer and attractions like face painting, lucky dip and cream teas.

All parents and carers from across West Swindon and their children are invited to drop-in and enjoy the fun, and to discover the range of groups and advice services the centre offers families.

Swindon Library’s Bookstart Bear visited the family centre to promote the value of reading and singing from the earliest age

Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon For children 3 months to five years Open all year from 8am to 6pm Extensive outdoor play & gardens Easy access and safe parking For information call: 01793 851495

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

Busy Bees are Here!

Leapfrog Day Nursery in St Andrew’s Ridge has been rebranded to a Busy Bees Nursery.

Come along and view our fantastic nursery.

Open 7:30am - 6pm, Monday to Friday Bright, welcoming play areas Secure outdoor garden / play area

Playgroup scores top marks Ofsted has graded Greendown Playgroup in Grange Park as outstanding in all 17 areas of inspection after a visit in June.

The inspector says that the judgement has been achieved by ‘excellent teamwork and an extremely positive ethos which ensures that children thoroughly enjoy their time in the playgroup and make rapid progress in their learning and development.

‘Safeguarding is given the highest priority so that children settle very well and are happy and secure. The playgroup’s strong emphasis on inclusion means that all children feel valued and quickly grow in confidence.

‘The playgroup demonstrates outstanding capacity to improve

because the manager and her staff have been highly successful in building on existing strengths and are constantly striving to make further improvements.’

The inspector says the playgroup could improve by installing broadband internet to give children access to a broader range of resources to support their learning.

Playgroup manager Julie Seward said she was delighted by the inspector’s report. “To receive outstanding in every inspection area is wonderful. It reflects the super staff at the playgroup and the warm caring atmosphere they create.”

The playgroup has places available from September. For details call Julie Seward on 882234 from 4 September.

Single storey, purpose built nursery Extra curricular activities for extra fun CCTV and secure access sytems ‘Busy Babies’ Initiative

Open afternoons, every Monday from 2pm -4pm Book a place before 31st August and receive 25% off 2 months fees*

To book a show around pop in or call Niki on 01793 726919 Busy Bees Day Nursery, Highdown Way, St Andrew’s Ridge, Swindon, SN25 4FD (previously Leapfrog Day Nursery) www.busybees.com *T&C’s apply.

1-20 August 11.indd 18

22/07/2011 15:11

Lynne Jacobs, supervisor of Alpha Pre-School, is leaving, having developed the playgroup since Freshbrook Community Centre reopened in 2009, even achieving a Good rating in its first Ofsted inspection.

Lynne had been inspired to reopen the group after it went bust. “A couple of us bought all the resources and kept them at home,” said Lyn. “When the community centre itself closed down Lynne making friends with a member of I joined the Jonathan’s Insect Roadshow relaunch committee and Alpha Pre-School was get visits from older folk who bring born after a lot of hard work to get in books, paint and items they think the building open again. the children will benefit from.”

“We were visited by Ofsted just At 58 years of age, Lynne feels 9 months later; we were so happy it’s time to hand over to someone to receive a ‘Good’ with few recom- younger, although she will be acting mendations. as a consultant to the new supervi“Having the pre-school in the sor for a couple of sessions a week community centre puts it at the to bring about a smooth transition heart of the area; it’s lovely when we during the Autumn.

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

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

l 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 l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

A high quality day nursery situated in West Swindon at Windmill Hill Business Park, close to the M4 Junction 16, offering a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual.

Happy staff and children at Greendown Playgroup

The Springboard to Confidence for your child Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play programme for children from 6 months to 7 years.

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us

• Large garden for all ages

For more information please contact us: Windmill Hill Day Nursery Whitehill Way Swindon Wiltshire SN5 6NX

Tel: 01793 877646

Email: info@childbase.com www.childbase.com

• CCTV throughout the nursery

22/07/2011 15:11

20 swindonlink.com • August 2011

Places at Oliver Tomkins Nursery

A quality start for pre-school children aged 3-4 years.

Intake September, January & Easter To book your child‛s place call Lynda Nelson: 01793 870471

admin@olivertomkins-inf.swindon.sch.uk Enriched creative fun learning opportunities including baking, welly walks and Forest Schools.

An exciting safe, stimulating indoor and outdoor classroom.

Healthy nutritious snacks daily

Part of Oliver Tomkins CE VA Infant & Junior School, Toothill

preschool gymnastics where an early start makes a world of difference!

School garden for special friends who passed away The designer of the newly opened memorial garden at Uplands Special School in North Swindon has congratulated the staff, volunteers and business supporters who contributed to the project.

Jill Blackwood, who was asked by The Link if she would contribute her talents when Uplands headteacher Jackie Smith launched an appeal for help in 2010, said the task of building the garden had been complex.

“It was a big space to fill and there were many people willing to help out. Jackie Smith and her teachers Jon Palmer and Catherine Marr have done a great job to involve parents, business volunteers and local companies in working on the garden at different times.”

The whole school and parents turned out on Thursday 7 July to formally open the garden which commemorates Grant Yo u n g e r, C o n nor Hewitt, Perry Harris and Celina Martin who died in early 2010, and Jessica Michaels who passed away in January this year. There was a

private dedication, by the parents of the pupils who died, in early June.

Jackie Smith said, “we’re grateful to so many individuals, families, local businesses and organisations who have helped to make the garden a reality.

Some of the pupils who died had health problems but to lose so many in a short time, two in 48 hours, was so unexpected and a tremendous shock. We felt a garden would be a place which can be enJill Blackwood, with Sky Duller joyed by all at the school and a reminder of features a grassed area, raised beds the pupils who are full of fragrant plants and several no longer with us sitting areas. Colourful artwork by and how we are all pupils decorate the surrounding working together.” fence and the name of each pupil A metal sculp- who died is engraved on wooden ture seat represent- stakes by trees. ing two friends At the opening Jackie thanked supporting each Upland site managers ESSL and other made by suppliers Sodexho for their assisGordon Dickin- tance, John Lewis and Dobbies for son, left, of No garden furniture, volunteers from A d d e d S u g a r, Zurich who carried out construction stands at the en- work on a wet day last November trance to the circu- and also raised £3,000 for the projlar garden which ect, and Jill Blackwood.

NEW for the summer - the great new fitness craze for kids

School Holiday Crash Courses Intensive Swim Lessons For all ages

Designed exclusively for kids aged 4 to 12 years, Zumbatomic classes are rockinʼ high energy fitness-parties, packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines with all the music they love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbian etc.

Parents love Zumbatomic because of the effects it has on kids - increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination.

Why should they miss out on all the fun?

Classes start in August, every week Monday to Thursday throughout the school holidays at Bobbiʼs Academy of Dance

Summer n fu

Our short intensive 5 day swim courses really help

and improve techniques.

It has been shown that children learn and retain new skills more easily over short, intensive periods of time. So each swimming lesson is 30 minutes long, with two instructors in the water, with group sizes of no more than six swimmers.

Intensive Course Classes will run Monday to Friday between 50 32. ly £ k!

On r wee pe

9:00am - 11:00am & 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Email To register

Each session is 30 minutes

swimming courses.

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

1-20 August 11.indd 20

For details contact Karen at: everybodyzumba@hotmail.co.uk Or call 0788 3399330

For more details just email or give us a call Telephone: 01793 493210 Mobile: 07825 441311 07920 012974 Email: info@swimsafeuk.co.uk Website: swimsafeuk.co.uk

22/07/2011 15:14

21

Learn to Lindy Hop TUESDAYS from 6th Sept @ The Supermarine Sports & Social Club Supermarine Rd, South Marston, Nr Swindon

Learn to Jive

TUESDAYS from 6th September @ St Paul’s Church Centre St Paul’s Drive, Swindon THURSDAYS from 8th September @ Hook Village Hall, Hook, Nr Wootton Bassett All beginners classes start 7pm

Two great plays in the park

There’s something for everyone at Lydiard Park’s now traditional outdoor theatre performances with the house forming the dramatic background.

On Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on Tour performs the classic comedy As You Like It.

Will Oxborrow from Swindon, right, in As You Like It

The bard’s tale of love, jealously, mixed identity and the complexities of being human is performed by eight actors, including Will Oxborrow who hails from Swindon.

He said, “I play Oliver, Orlando’s wicked brother Corin, who is involved in banishing the lovely Rosalind from court, separating her

from her true love. You’ll recognise my Wiltshire accent.

“I’m also Sir Oliver Martex, which is a two line part and is usually played drunk.

“As You Like It is the most musical of Shakespeare’s plays and the audience love it. Our set is Victorian, but with Shakespeare it’s not the period or the setting that matters, it’s the story that we all understand.

“As You Like It is like a fairy tale and you need to come along for the ride; it ends with a quadruple marriage and a big jig; everyone goes home with a smile on their face.”

The play is suitable for all ages and tickets are £17.50 for adults and £12 for children.

On Friday 19 August, Illyria Theatre Company will present a new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s popular farmyard tale Fantastic Mr Fox. All Mr Fox wants is to feed his family, but he’s up against the cruellest, meanest and most ruthless farmers you could ever meet. They are determined to put a stop to the wily beast once and for all. As they rev up their mechanical diggers and load their guns, Mr Fox’s chances look slim, but can he outwit them? Of course he does, but not without a great deal of excitement for families on the lawn in front of Lydiard House.

Win tickets to see Fantastic Mr Fox

Thanks to Lydiard House we have two family tickets for this great show.

All you have do is tell us who wrote the original story by 10 August.

Send your entry to the address on page 4.

www.justjive.com Email us@justjive.com

Tickets are £14 for adults, £8 for children and £38 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).

Tickets can be booked on 614837 or at Lydiard House and other venues. See the advert on page 24 for details. www.lydiardpark.org.uk

Swindon’s celebration of South Asian entertainment, art and culture Saturday 30 July, from 12noon www.swindonmela.com

Tel: 01453 752842

Top Impressions We print on Hoodies Polo shirts T-shirts Mugs Jigsaws Blunsdon Market: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

Tel: 07979 828700 ernie@topimpressions.co.uk

Under New Management

formerly Cricklade Hotel & Country Club

A 46 Bedroom Hotel Set In tHe StunnIng WIltSHIre CountrySIde

Weddings | Afternoon teas | Spa days | Private Functions

The Spa

memBerSHIP SPeCIAl oFFer Buy one get one HAlF PrICe Indoor Swimming Pool | Gym | Tennis Snooker | Golf | Steam Room | Spa

The dining room Open 7 Days A Week

Monday – Saturday Lunch £12.50 per person (2 Courses) Sunday Lunch £14.99 (3 Courses)

The golf Course

£9.00 for 18 holes Membership not required

tel: 01793 750751

Common Hill, Cricklade, Wiltshire, Sn6 6HA reception@crickladehotel.co.uk www.crickladehotel.co.uk

21-52 August 11.indd 21

22/07/2011 11:41

Swindon Wide What’s On in August

22

Looking for a business you can trust?

The

Nine Elms

THEN LOOK NO FURTHER!

Children & Family

Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th, 7pm; Wed & Thurs 10.30am & 1.30pm

Under new management

10% OFF TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH with this advert

• Marquee and function room • Family friendly beer garden • Live big screen football • Poker league

A new era for consumers and business is only a click away

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

If you have a business and you are interested in joining the scheme, call Trading Standards

Tel: 01793 770442

01793 466155

The Elms, Shaw

Learn to Cook in Swindon with John Bridgeman Upcoming courses: Vegetarian • Italian Cuisine Seafood • Preparing for University Fine Dining • Dinner Parties Pastry & Bread • Desserts All abilities welcome

John Bridgeman

Call Chef Tutor John Bridgeman on 01793 725846 ruslandcookeryschool@yahoo.co.uk Rusland Cookery School, Pond Street, Haydon Wick SN25 3JE

www.ruslandcookeryschool.co.uk

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21-52 August 11.indd 22

Shaun’s Big Show. A music and dance extravaganza with Shaun the Sheep. £15, concs £13. Wyvern Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th, 12noon to 3pm Craft Tuesday. Make a fantastic contraption. Different activity each week including finger puppets, hook a fish game and zoetropes. £3. No booking required, children must be accompanied by an adult. Lydiard House Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th School Holiday Specials. Swindon & Cricklade Railway. See www.swindoncricklade-railway.org for details Saturdays 13th & 27th, 10am to 5pm Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers bring the days of steam to life.

Normal admission charges, STEAM Friday 19th, 6.30pm Fantastic Mr Fox presented by Illyria Theatre Company. Roald Dahl’s wickedly funny farmyard story performed on the lawn in front of Lydiard House.

See the advert on page 24 Sunday 28th & Monday 29th Treasure Hunt. Spot 30 little engines placed around the railway and win a prize. Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

See advert on page 25

Saturday 20th, 7.30pm Burlesque. Enjoy a cocktail then let Miss Daisy Deluxe teach you how to strut your stuff like the ultimate burlesque goddess. £21. Balcony Restaurant, Wyvern Tuesday 30th, 7.30pm Let’s Dance presented by Swindon Academy of Dance. An explosive display of all genres of dance following an intensive summer school musical theatre week. £10. Wyvern

Fashion show in aid of Autumn/Winter range from Captain Tortue Group - French Casual Wear for Women Orders taken on the night Monday 5 September, 7.30pm - 9pm Blunsdon House Hotel Ticket ÂŁ3 from Denise Close on 826577 or 07941 588557

Music

Friday 5th, 7.30pm Voices Of The Night. An epic and innovative journey through some of the greatest operatic and theatrical shows. ÂŁ18.50. Wyvern Saturday 6 August Swindon & Wiltshire Pride with Diva Fever and Booty Luv as headline acts on the Nationwide Main Stage.

Town Gardens. Details from www. swindonpride.com Sunday 7th, 8pm We Hit the High Notes presented by Kentwood Show Choir in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. ÂŁ8, tickets from 01367 252535 or Hilton Hotel. Hilton Hotel, Great Western Way

Theatre

Thursday 4th & Friday 5th, 7.30pm As You Like It presented by Shakespear’s Globe on Tour performing on an Elizabethan-style open air stage on the lawn in front of Lydiard House.

See the advert on page 24

Musical

Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th, various times Anything Goes presented by Wyvern Summer Youth Project. The stage is turned into the glamo r o u s l i n e r, SS American as 250 young people perform this amazing show under the guidance of a professional creative team. ÂŁ11 - ÂŁ13.

Wyvern

Exhibitions

Thursday 25 August to Saturday 3 September, 10am - 5pm (Sun 28th, 11am - 4pm) The Guild of Wiltshire Artists 2011 Autumn Exhibition. Free entry. St. Peter’s Church, High Street, Marlborough SN8 1HQ.

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Lydiard House, Lydiard Park Tel: 770401 Roves Farm Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth. Tel: 763939 STEAM Kemble Drive. Tel: 466637 Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Information Centre Regent Street. Tel: 530328/466454 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

22/07/2011 11:41

Swindon Wide

Big Arts Day 2 attracts thousands

Up to 20,000 people enjoyed the second Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park on 9 July, writes Joy Aldred.

Heavy rain on the previous day didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of festival goers who were rewarded with sunshine, ensuring the finishing touch to a great day.

From Alice in Wonderland in the Walled Garden, right, to Sparky the Robot roaming the park, below, to storytelling by a pirate and a mermaid inside a huge whale, to three music stages, a comedy tent, youngsters showcasing their dancing and much more, the Big Arts Day was enjoyed by young and old alike. The finale included a huge community choir performing in front of Lydiard House and spectacular fireworks across the lake.

Heavily supported by business sponsors and organised by Swindon Borough Council, the event brought together people from all walks of life. Helen Miah, Head of Culture Swindon, said, “it was an amazing day with a real festival atmosphere and a wonderful showcase of Swindon’s incredible

23

The Hidden Gem Home Beauty Salon

Est 2004

The Hidden Gem is a friendly, comfortable and highly professional home beauty room, situated in Old Shaw, West Swindon With extremely competitive prices and with over 10 years experience

arts scene. It shows what can be achieved when you bring all that passion and energy together. I’m enormously grateful to everyone who got involved and helped to make it such a special event.”

Over the course of the day it is estimated that 30,000 people attended the festival, with 20,000 being on site at one time Tracey Cox, 46 from Grange Park, said, “it was brilliant, there was something for everyone, from children to pensioners; everybody was having a lot of fun.”

And it wasn’t just Swindonians.

Veronique Green, 36, was visiting from Kent. She enthused, “it’s been absolutely brilliant.”

Call Gemma on 07810 018319 Run Turtlea price Run list willorinvite To request to you to take up the challenge inbook a series of fun races. The friendly turtles are always an appointment

determined to win, yet despite their frantic and elaborate preparations, once the whistle blows and the race starts, they revert to being slow and clumsy, which after all is something any respectable turtle is proud to be.

If you’re a lover of traditional English entertainment, you won’t be disappointed. For instance, Big Mr Punch, Judy and Baby and their accompanying musicians will provide a gently nostalgic promenade performance.

While on the subject of nostalgia, what child doesn’t get excited at the mention of Alice in Wonderland? In Curious Wonderland, kids can play a big game of hide and seek to find the White Rabbit, whilst older children can listen to Caterpillar’s witty stories. Better still, the

whole famil Alice and th banners to themed wo

Sparky the parts at all a he talks, dan a sensation fascinating a

Don’t mis For more informatio www.biga

Singer / Songwriter Saturday 13 August Gates: 5.30pm, Concert 6.30pm Paul Carrack, former vocalist with Mike and the Mechanics The Sarah Gillespie Trio Ben Montague Band Theo Alteieri

Isla show will be a tribute to forces hospital

A cabaret evening on 5 August starring Isla St Clair will mark the the 70th anniversary of the opening of Princess Alexandra’s RAF Hospital Wroughton in 1941. ment, NHS treatments, The event follows and the role of the a day conference on Flying Nightingales post traumatic stress during World War II. at Swindon Marriott The conference costs Hotel, Old Town. £50 and the cabaret A range of speakers is also £50 per ticket. will consider whether Tickets for both day post traumatic stress and evening events cost actually exists and the £90. For details contact appropriate treatments, Richard Hilling: richtherapies and support, ardw.hilling@gmail. what the government is doing to prevent trauma, dealing com www.SwindonTraumaGroup. with the trauma of suicide bereave- org.uk

21-52 August 11.indd 23

Paul Carrack’s band Ace had a huge global hit in the 70s with his song “How Long”, but his biggest break came in 1985 when he contributed vocals to an album by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford, after which he joined Mike and The Mechanics.

The title-track of their second LP The Living Years was a massive success, reaching number one in America.

Warming us up for the evening are a host of talented singer/songwriters.

Sarah Gillespie mixes blues, tango and urban folk with her trademark

The Wil Youth O in the 19 recognis quality p conduct Redmon Principa Cambrid and has many of orchestr

lyricism, with the Guardian saying she combines ‘Bob Dylan’s lyrical bite and languid delivery and the forthrightness of Joni Mitchell, with a little rap-like percussiveness thrown in’.

Ben Montague may not be a familiar name yet, but he’s set to establish himself among the brightest UK melodic rock talents, while local artiste Theo Altieri’s set consists of original material influenced by artists such as The Cure, Paul Weller, Bob Marley, Radiohead, and Toots and the Maytals.

Visitor Inf

Advance bookings: Tickets £23, Concessions £18, Family £65, Parties 10th ticket free.

Only one concession applicable at a time.

On the door: Tickets £28, Concessions £23, Family £75.

22/07/2011 11:48

Advan

On t

24

Hilton ball with historic flavour

Swindon Wide this Summer

Discover the treasures of Lydiard House

Emma Kaye, right, a volunteer at the house, says a visit always If you’ve always fancied a medieval provides a fascinating glimpse into night out then look no further - the life in the past.

Hilton Hotel on Great Western Way, Swindon’s Lydiard House is one close to Junction 16, is holding a of the South West’s lesser known charity Medieval Ball on Friday 30 historic houses, which deserves September.

Lydiard Lydiard Tregoze, Tregoze, Swindon, Swindon, SN5 3PA. SN5 3PA. Tel: 01793 Tel: 01793 770401 770401 www.lydiardpark.org.uk www.lydiardpark.org.uk greater merit.

The evening will include a banAs a dedicated city dweller with a quet, court jester, other entertain- fifteen year career living in London contraption!

Drop Drop into a into different a different Summer Summer Wildlife Wildlife Walk Fantastic Fantastic Contraptions Contraptions at atcontraption! ment from yesteryear, andWalk an aucand working in senior roles across activity activity each week, each week, including including making making tion.

Sunday Sunday 3 July,32 July, to 4pm 2 to 4pm major national Lydiard Lydiard House House museums, including Mark Dixon at the Hilton, said, finger finger puppets, puppets, hook a hook fish game a fish game & & British Museum, Lydiard A mellow A mellow summer summer walk to walk seek tothe out seek out Saturday Saturday 23 July23House toJuly Sunday to Sunday 18 18 “this is a great event for everyone, became a haven on relocating to zoetropes. zoetropes. £3.00 £3.00 per child. per child. the varied the varied species species of damsel of damsel and andSeptember, September, 11am11am to 5pm to 5pm whether a group of friends wanting Swindon. adragonflies night dragonflies out or and a works party.

Those other and other wildlife wildlife to beThere to be Aisnew display new display celebrating celebrating odd odd anAongoing conservaattending will inbeLydiard encouraged found found in Lydiard Park. Park. to tion planVictorian in place and a committed concerts, theatre and specialist the Walled Walled Garden Garden Victorian inventions. inventions.

From From bellneeds bellof visitors, balance the get into the spirit of the evening acquisition policy means that the books and care for the collections, days including re-enactments and ropes ropes to candle to candle snuffers, snuffers, spoon spoon Open Open for for and dress up. collections manager is always alert undertaking basic cleaning and archaeological digs.

“TheSummer evening will helpWalk raise to sourcing Summer Tree Tree Walk cleaners cleaners to lacetocurlers lace curlers - see some - see some items pertaining to the ICharity recently discovered that my great maintenance on a daily basis. Charity awareness and money for two wor- house country-wide. grandfather wasJuly, born in Swindon, Lydiard offers a fantastic range unique unique inventions inventions for unusual for unusual Sunday Sunday 17 July, 17 2 July, to 4pm 2 to 4pm Sunday Sunday 31 July, 31 thy charities – Hilton in the ComIn 2010 a portrait of hear the Third of opportunities for volunteers and just a few hundred metres up the problems, problems, and and the hear story the of story the of the With Lydiard's With Lydiard's trees at trees their at best, their best, munity Foundation, which sup- Earl of Warwick was acquired with lovers of the historic environment 11am 11am tofrom 5pm towhere 5pm I live. He left to road ports people need, and creation of thefunding, ofwatercycle, the watercycle, mobile enjoyyoung enjoy a saunter a saunter to inidentify to identify somethe some support ofcreation external a share for Wales where he worked in mobile its wonderful history and TheSwindon Georgian The Georgian the hotel’s local charity partner for picture that milking parlour parlour and from ‘snog-o-meter’! and beautiful ‘snog-o-meter’! had been absent aswalled a railway architecture. of theofnotable the notable and historic and historic trees trees milking walled garden garden at clerkatand became 2011, the Wiltshire based Amber the house for almost seventy years.

They are involved in research, instrumental in building the small within within the park. the park.

Admission Admission charge charge applies. applies.

Foundation. They work with homeLydiard Lydiard Park will Parkbeinwill be The entrance has been re-con- display and collections care under town of Neyland Pembrokeshire less, unemployed young people, figured recently to accommodate the guidance of the collections open as open part asof part theof by theBrunel. So which was founded helping them gainabove the skills they wheelchair users and Sessions large print manager.

I now Scheme feel- that my own heritage is Both the Both above the walks walks are free, arebut free, but Craft Craft Sessions National National Gardens Gardens Scheme special - special need to get a job and accommo- guides are available for those with Lydiard Park offers the community bound with Swindon. Working at booking booking is essential is essential as places as places are are entry entry applies, applies, £2.50 £2.50 adult, £2 adult, senior £2 senior dation. The proceeds will be split visual impairments, Tuesdays Tuesdays 26 July, 262,July, 9, 16, 2,an9, 23excellent 16, & 23 30 &place 30 to participate together with in Lydiard House, a historic building 50/50 between charities.” limited. limited.

Pleasethe Please calltwo 01793 call 01793 770401 770401 and £1and child £1as-child all proceeds -that all proceeds donated audio guides inAugust, almost every room. remains atdonated the heart of our large-scale local events such the August, 12 noon 12 noon to 3pm to 3pm are £34.95 with tables orTickets email or lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk email lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk The face of the house is reprecommunity, is a privilege.

Big Arts Day and Heritage Open to the to NGS the charities.

NGS charities.

Make your own yourfantastic own fantastic for 8 to 10 people bookable on sented Make by the wonderful team of Days in September, in addition Call 770401 or call into the house 881777 (option 1). front-of-house staff who attend to to opening its grounds for regular to find out more about volunteering.

Lydiard Lydiard Park Park

PackPack up aup picnic a picnic and and enjoy enjoy top top quality quality live live theatre theatre in the in open the open air this air this August August

Thur 4 Thur Aug &4 Fri Aug5 &Aug Fri2011 5 Aug 2011

01793 614837 01793 www.lydiardpark.org.uk 614837 www.lydiardpark.org.uk

Design: Small Back Room Illustration: Tara Hale

Lydiard Lydiard park, park, Swindon Swindon

Design: Small Back Room Illustration: Tara Hale

Tour transport provided Tour transport

by Fordprovided by Ford

FridayFriday 19 August, 19 August, 6.30pm 6.30pm Lydiard Lydiard Park,Park, Swindon Swindon Tickets: Tickets: 01793 01793 614837 614837 LYDIARD LYDIARD PARK PARK

Friday 19Friday August192011 August at 6.30pm 2011 atTickets: 6.30pm01793 Tickets: 614837 01793illyria.uk.com 614837 illyria.uk.com

22 Swindon 22 Swindon News Magazine News Magazine www.swindon.gov.uk www.swindon.gov.uk 21-52 August 11.indd 24

Adult £14.00 Adult Child£14.00 £8.00 Family Child £8.00 (2+2) Family £38.00 (2+2) £38.00 Gates open 5.30pm. Performance Gates open 5.30pm. approx 1hr Performance 35mins (incapprox 20min1hr interval).

35minsPlease (inc 20min bring interval). own seating Please / rug, bring warm own clothes seating and / rug, picnic. warm clothes and picnic.

Refreshments will be available.

Refreshments Cancellation will be available. in the event Cancellation of hurricane in the onlyevent whenofperformance hurricane only willwhen be rescheduled. performanceTickets will beare rescheduled. non-refundable.

Tickets are non-refundable.

22/07/2011 11:51

Swindon Wide this Summer

Ride a new train at Blunsdon

Visitors to Swindon & Cricklade Railway (S&CR) at Blunsdon Station have the chance to ride a train pulled by a Swindon built locomotive.

Painted in traditional Great Western Railway livery of green and black, 0-6-0 Pannier Tank 3650 has been loaned by the Didcot Railway Centre to the volunteer-run railway until the end of the year, possibly longer.

Built in 1939 for the Great Western Railway, 3650 is not a glamorous locomotive but is an example of the workhorse engines built at Swindon Works.

3650 was one of a small number of similar locomotives sold by British Railways into private industry in 1963, going to Stephenson

Holiday Activity Day at Lower Shaw Farm Wednesday 10 August 10.30am to 3.30pm Meet the animals, enjoy arts and crafts in the big barn, cook over a real fire. £15 per child, (concs £12).

Advance booking required on 771080 or mail: enquiries@ lowershawfarm.co.uk www.lowershawfarm.co.uk

25

Lots going on at Steam in August

It’s full Steam ahead for families in Swindon this summer with trails, a miniature ride-on railway and the popular Smiley Cats Kids Club.

World famous and especially loved by Swindonians, ‘Lode Star’ 4003 has returned to Swindon from the National Railway Museum in York and now takes pr ide of place at Steam’s station platform.

Admire her gleaming paintwork and fittings and even Two big events in August climb aboard the See the railway advert below only remaining and also on page 26 GWR 4000 Class loco - designed crafts, games and a supervised in 1907 by George Jackson Church- tour of the museum. The cost is £12 per session or £9.50 with a Free coaching offered ward.

Lode Star is just one of the mag- SwindonCard. at Fishing is Fun Booking in advance is required. nificent collection of locomotives on Coate Water Country Park is hold- static display and exhibits that take See more details at www.smileying an angling coaching event on visitors through the ages - telling cats.co.uk Saturday 27 August, 10am to 4pm. the fascinating story of the Great This is a drop-in activity but ju- Western Railway - alongside handsniors must have parental permis- on activities.

Children can visit Steam for just sion to take part.

Special holiday activities include £1 (when accompanied by a fullDue to expected high demand the Smiley Cats Kidz Club for paying adult) between 23 July and sessions will be limited to 30 min- ages 5 to 11 on Wednesdays and 31 August. Download the summer utes. For more details call Mark Thursdays, from 9.30am to 1pm. deal voucher from www.swindon.

Jennings on 463650.

Sessions include structured arts, gov.uk/steam Clarke Ltd, a private colliery in South Wales.

It was purchased by a private buyer in 1969, and later that year, arrived at Didcot Railway Centre, where, after some 20 years of restoration effort, 3650 finally returned to traffic in July 2008. The stay with the S&CR is the first time the locomotive has been seen in steam beyond Didcot.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon SN25 2DA. Tel: 771615 www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org

Kids ‘go for a quid’

d re

by

o ns

o

Sp

The Big GWR Event of the Year Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2011 10.00am - 5.00pm

Celebrate the UK’s best model railways with Pete Waterman, Hornby and Bachmann.

Experience traction engines, road rollers and rare Stanley steam cars in light steam.

Enjoy our real ale bar, BBQ and trade stands galore, plus unmissable photographic displays and film shows of the final years of Swindon Works.

STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA. Tel. 01793 466646

Adults £7 Children £5 Seniors £6 Family (2 adults+ 2children) £20

Café and shop open. Free parking at owner’s risk

From A419 top of Blunsdon Hill – follow Stadium signs. Railway approx. 2 miles on

www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway

The Railway can accept no responsibility for losses due to cancellations or alterations for reasons beyond its control

21-52 August 11.indd 25

Reg Charity 1067447

21/07/2011 10:48

Swindon Wide this Summer

26

Unlimited bus travel in Swindon for your

Cinders will always have a happy ending with Cheggers

It’s the summer and no better time to launch this year’s Wyvern Theatre winter pantomime: Cinderella, which runs from Saturday 10 December to Sunday 8 January 2012.

Keith Chegwin will star as But- office on 524481, or book online at tons, Suzie Chard as the Wicked www.wyverntheatre.org.uk Photo: Richard Wintle, Calyx.tv Stepmother, Adam King as Prince Charming and Neal Wright as the Roves Farm Ugly Sister, with special appearHoliday Activities ances by Chelsea and Primrose, two Shetland ponies.

Sat 23 July to Thursday 4 August At the show launch Keith ChegThe Bear Hunt win said, “I love being in pantoFriday 5th to Thursday 11th mime, it really gets the festive seaRobin Hood son started. I bring all my family Friday 12th to Wednesday 24th with me and they will love it. SwinThe Very Hungry Caterpillar don is a great place, I can’t wait to Thursday 25th to Wednesday 31st get started.”

Sunflowers Book your trip to Cinders to avoid See the advert on page 27 disappointment by calling the box

Family DayRider

Only £5 during school holidays and at weekends from 23rd July 2011

• All day bus travel within the Swindon urban area • Valid on day of issue until last bus • Covers up to 5 people (min 1 adult, max 2 adults) • School holidays as defined by Swindon Borough Council school calendar Buy your DayRider tickets from the bus driver – exact fare please!

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TRACTION & STATIONARY ENGINES CARS 1900-1980 · COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FIRE ENGINES · TRACTORS · MOTORCYCLES FAIRGROUND ORGAN & AMUSEMENTS MILITARY VEHICLES · CHARITY STALLS · BAR ICE CREAM · HOT REFRESHMENTS Adults £9 · Children £6 · Seniors £8 Family (2 adults + 2 children) £26 Price of train ticket includes all exhibits Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon SN25 2DA Tel 01793 827202 (anytime) email mdcookie@hotmail.co.uk www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org Off the A419, 2½ miles past Blunsdon Stadium, follow the brown signs The Railway can accept can no accept responsibility for losses due due to alterations reasons beyond RegNo Charity No 1067447 The Railway no responsibility for losses to alterationsor or cancellations cancellations forfor reasons beyond it controits l control.

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22/07/2011 11:54

Swindon Wide this Summer

Zumbatonic is here for kids

Zumba has swept the land and all the adults are having a great time at rockin’ high energy fitness parties set to fantastic music.

But why should the big people have all the fun? Karen Hyde is bringing Zumbatomic® to Swindon. It gives youngsters the chance to crank up the music, shake, wiggle and have a blast with their friends.

In August she’s holding Zumba sessions specially adapted to 4 to 12 year olds. See the advert on page 20 for details.

Crash swim course

Swim Safe UK are offering intensive five day summer holiday courses for all ages. Each session is 30 minutes long with instructors in the water and no more than six pupils in each group.

See the advert on page 20 for details.

Gym fun in the holidays

Swindon School of Gymnastics, SN1 2PG is running a Summer Holiday Fitness & Fun Club on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8.30am to 3.30pm for school aged children.

The cost is £16 per day and children should bring drinks and lunch.

To book the dates you’d like call 480846 or mail: ssginfo@tiscali.co.uk.

Yoga for children & teenagers

Yoga teacher Raziya Sacranie is running yoga sessions for young people during August to introduce them to the fun and benefits of yoga.

“It’s not only adults who are in need of a way to improve posture, release stress and increase their well-being,” said Raziya. “Children and teenagers also live in a hurry-up world of school pressures, computers, mobile phones, video games and competitive sports.

“Yoga helps youngsters find out how to slow the bustling pace of their life and discover their innate joy and sense of wellbeing through stillness and relaxation.

“It also enhances strength, improves posture and develops better body awareness as well as boosting concentration, self esteem and confidence.”

For details of Raziya’s summer yoga classes call her on 637500.

27

HEAD RUSH HAIR Unisex • Cutting • Perms • Extensions Colouring - tints - foils • Bridal hair • Children’s haircuts

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Advert must be presented to receive discount.

Cash/cheques only

Fun is Bow-shaped!

If you are looking for something a bit different why not try the Black Cat Archery Experience?

With a variety of ranges, styles and targets, everyone from the seasoned archer to the absolute beginner will find something to enjoy at our specially designed archery centre.  All Equipment & Tuition Provided  Safe Environment  Corporate and group events  Special parties for 5yrs & older A great time comes as standard!

Clubs on site; Target, Field and Medieval

www.blackcatarchery.com

For more information, to arrange a meet or contact Andrew on: Andrew@blackcatarchery.com or 07809 729260 We are at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wilts SN6 7QS

Butterfly World & Craft Village

StudleyGrange

A Great Family Day Out

Enjoy a truly magical experience as you walk amonst hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying around a tropical paradise of plants and fish filled pools.

Then visit our otters, goats, meerkats, guinea pigs and loads more farmyard favourites in our outdoor Animal Paddock.

AN ALL WEATHER ATTRACTION...

Including Interactive Play & many individual craft shops, offering a variety of handcrafted gifts.

Venue for Kids Parties • Groups and Coach Parties Welcome

Open Daily: Summer 10am-6pm; Winter 9am-Dusk Tel: 01793 852400 • E-mail: info@studleygrange.co.uk Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9QT

FOLLOW THE BROWN TOURIST SIGNS FROM THE M4 JUNCTION 16

21-52 August 11.indd 27

Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 7QG

01793 763939 www.rovesfarm.co.uk OPEN DAILY 10.30-5.00pm

Full programme of events throughout the day: * Meet & Feed the Animals- three times a day ! * FREE Tractor & Trailer Rides around the farm * Children’s Themed Snipping, Sticking & Decorating * Animal Racing- during school holidays and weekends * Indoor Heated Toddlers Soft Play & Sandpit * Activity Barn with Pedal Tractors, Giant Slide & Ball Pond * Big Straw Bale Stack, Bouncy Castle & Outdoor Play Area * Granary Tearoom - delicious homemade cakes!

Special Summer Holiday Activity Themes include:

The Bear Hunt, Robin Hood, Hungry Caterpillar & Sunflowers

Children’s Birthday Parties

22/07/2011 11:57

Swindon Wide

28

the bigger picture

Keen photographer Jodie Henderson, Year 10 student at Nova Hreod School, spent a week in July with Swindon Link on a work placement, covering stories near and far with freelance press photographer Richard Wintle of Calyx Multimedia. These are some of her pictures.

Not many student placements start at 5.45am on a Monday. Jodie travelled to Salcombe with Richard for a royal rendezvous

By Sue

Children feeding chickens at the Jodie visited Swindon 105.5 community radio to photograph her Nova Lower Shaw Farm Wednesday school friends Jasmine Haackerson and Lisa Nganga who interviewed her about her placement community morning

◆ Your local family hairdresser ◆ 25% discount for Seniors Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

Rendezvous Special For Two 1/4 Aromatic Crispy Duck OR Barbecue Ribs, Crispy Seaweed & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls Choose 3 Dishes of your choice from our selection: Sweet & Sour Chicken (HK Style) Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce Prawns with Ginger & Spring Onions Spicy Salt & Garlic Chicken Lemon Chicken Chicken Curry Shredded Chilli Beef Satay Roast Pork TEMPLATES ★★★ Egg Fried Rice, Prawn Crackers & Fortune Cookies

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See our full menu at: www.rendezvous.uk.net

21-52 August 11.indd 28

On Tuesday 12 July Jodie and Richard attended the repatriation of Highlander Scott McLaren of the 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who was killed in Afghanistan on 4 July. She expressed the intense atmosphere and quiet dignity of the occasion in a poem which Scott’s family included in his funeral service in Edinburgh on 26 July.

People lined up by the roadside, As the church bell rang out loud, The lone chimes for the soldier Remembered by the crowd.

The cortege drove by with honour, Flags and heads bowed in unity, Respect for his ultimate sacrifice, Was present all around me.

Above, Scott McLaren's parents, James and Ann witness the repatriation of their son in Wootton Bassett High Street.

Below, close shot of a town centre attraction

The grief of the people, The emotion of the day, I couldn't continue taking photographs, Couldn't capture the pain this way.

The silence was overwhelming, I didn't want to cry, But I found it so unbearable, Witnessing a family's goodbyes.

A stranger passed me a tissue, She noticed my upset, That day at Wootton Bassett, I will never forget.

See more of Jodie’s pictures in the gallery at www.swindonlink.com

22/07/2011 12:00

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Coach plans third trip to Gambia

John Maxwell from Birdcombe Road, Westlea will be making another visit to Gambia in November to coach local teams and children in football skills.

In June 2010 he and his family travelled to a remote village with the help of Bath charity Gambia Connection and in February John ran coaching sessions near the capital Banjul.

In November Players at BJ Academy wearing donated kit, including he’ll be based at green shirts donated by the former AFC Greendown the BJ Academy near the coast. John said, “the distributes football kit throughout Gambians are absolutely mad about Africa.” football, everybody there follows Earlier in the year he took dozens the English games; it’s a joy to of vintage Chelsea shirts, presented coach there. However they don’t by ardent fan Nick Clark, a teaching have much kit and the pitches are assistant at Oliver Tomkins Primary dust bowls.

School. He also took shirts once “We take kit donations with us worn by AFC Greendown. and if we are unable to carry shirts To help John, mail: john.mal. and shorts in our luggage, we also max@hotmail.co.uk collect for Kit Aid, the charity which www.3valleys.co.uk/kitaid

29

Christine Meyer MAR REFLEXOLOGIST

Home visit service and gift vouchers available

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Tel/Fax 01793 706447

Mobile: 07886 298881

e: nailbox@swindon.myzen.co.uk

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Summer hair treatment competition Debbie Bryan of Back Stage Hair Studio is offering the chance to win a Brazilian blow dry, worth £90 to £150, including after-care shampoo which costs £15.99. See the advert right.

What continent is Brazil on? Email your answer to: debbieb21@hotmail.co.uk by 15 August

HILTON SWINDON JOIN OUR DATA BASE & SEE WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

CHRISTMAS 2011 EARLY BOOKER OFFER

Party night dates available 2nd, 3rd, 9th , 10th,16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd December 2011 Prices Start From

£32.95 per person Book before 30th August 2011 & receive…

• Half bottle of wine per person on your table • 1 Free place for groups of 30 or more

THEME NIGHTS!

Murder Mystery Thursday 8th December £36.95 Magic of Motown Thursday 15th December £36.95

FESTIVE!

Santa Sunday Lunch Sunday 4th,11th,18th December - £17.50 Festive Lunches Monday-Friday throughout December - £17.50 Ask about our special drinks offers and discounted overnight accommodation rates To enquire about any of the above, please contact our events team on 01793 881777 quoting ‘Early Booker’ Hilton Swindon, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon SN5 8UZ events.swindon@hilton.com

21-52 August 11.indd 29

01793 613000 Devizes Rd, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BG (Opposite the Arts Centre)

www.harmonybrides.co.uk

22/07/2011 15:19

30

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Who you gonna call? Dietbusters!

Dietbusters No counting points Healthy lifestyle Long-term lifestyle changes No diets No calorie counting

Next courses Wednesday (7th Sept – 23rd Nov 2011) The Link Centre, Whitehill Way, West Swindon 7.30pm – 9.00pm Wednesday (7th Sept – 23rd Nov 2011) Walcot Dome Burghley Close, Walcot 1.00pm – 2.30pm Thursday (8th Sept – 24th Nov 2011) Croft sports Centre Marlborough Lane, Old Town 7.00pm – 8.30pm Friday (9th Sept – 25th Nov 2011) The John Moulton Hall, Penhill Drive, Penhill 9.30am – 11.00am The course is £42, although could be free if referred by your G.P. (subject to your surgery participating in the scheme and you meeting the criteria for referral).

D56882

To book or for further information please contact: Debbie Mitchell, Adult Weight Management Co-ordinator. Tel: (01793) 864934 Mob: 07557 197232

21-52 August 11.indd 30

From September Swindon Council’s Leisure Services is offering an exciting twelve week weight management programme that will help set you on your way to a healthy lifestyle by encouraging sensible eating habits and increasing activity levels.

Dietbusters is not a diet, you will learn about making long-term healthy lifestyle changes without counting calories or points. The course consists of 45 minutes of education and 45 minutes of exercise that is tailored to meet your specific needs. Participants will discover the importance of exercise, portion sizes, understanding food labels and lots more.

For details call Debbie Mitchell on 864934. www.challengeswindon.org.uk

Historic win for Tregoze Primary

For the first time in Tregoze Primary School’s 20 year history, the football team won the West School’s Football League in June.

It was coach Pete Cook’s first season working with the team which made it an extra special victory. He said, “I am very proud of the team and the way that they have played to a high standard and with such a great attitude.”

The West Swindon schools athletics day in July drew some 1,500 competitors, family and friends to see a succession of very competitive sprint and relay races, and also throwing competitions, for Years 3 to 6.

The event took place for the first time at Greendown School in Grange Park, organised by primary school staff and the Swindon Schools Sports Partnership.

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It is usually recommended to have a course of treatments over six or seven weeks. Correcting problems in this way can lead to long-lasting results. See The Advanced Health & Beauty advert above right.

22/07/2011 12:02

swindonlink.com • August 2011

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31

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MIRABEL

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21/07/2011 10:56

32

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Life and Business Coaching with NLP for positive changes Would you like to work with a Life and Business Coach who will provide a fresh and innovative approach to getting you the life you want and deserve?

Positive Lifestyle Changes is your first step towards achieving this: relieve stress, anxiety and depression, increase self esteem and confidence, become more assertive, and many other issues.

For further information, including current special offers, please see www.positivelifestylechanges.co.uk Or contact Vicky on 07795 098810 or email: info@positivelifestylechanges.co.uk

Youngsters at Greendown who have done well or put in that extra effort in a range of sports were celebrated at an end of year event at the DeVere Village in early July.

Swindon Town FC’s youth coach Paul Bodin gave an inspirational talk and presented awards and Howard Taylor of MoreFM compered the evening.

Sports evening recognises talent

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Paul Bodin and Howard Taylor with Greendown sports people

England trampolinist from Grange Park Greendown pupil Georgia Clements had to cancel a trip to the T4 On The Beach festival in July after being called up to the England DMT (double minitrampoline) squad, a sacrifice she was willing to make having trained hard during the year whilst working for her GCSEs. In August she will be competing at the British finals in both trampoline and DMT in Birmingham.

A member of Team Bath Evolution Trampoline Club Georgia only started DMT three years ago and hopes to represent England in competitions abroad over the next year.

August is looking good!

MONDAYS 5:30pm & 7:30pm St Johns Church Thames Avenue Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1QQ Consultant: Sharon Tel: 0784 111 9082

... and so can you with our 3 for 2 offers on selected treatments!* Laser Hair Removal: · Bikini – saving you £100 · Underarms - saving you £85 · Lower legs saving you £155

* Terms and conditions apply - not to be taken in conjunction with any other offer.

See website for further details. Offer expires 31 August 2011

21-52 August 11.indd 32

FREE

online support

WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm and 8:15pm St Francis C of E Primary School, Aiken Road Taw Hill, Swindon, SN25 1UH Consultant: Heather Tel: 07816 860840 THURSDAYS 7:00pm Greendown Community School, Grange Park Way SAVE up to Grange Park, Swindon, SN5 6HN Consultant: Jenny Tel: 07939 410805

Tel: 01793 602480

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TUESDAYS 6:30pm Abbey Meads Community School, Main Sports Hall 0844 897 8000 Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads, Swindon, SN25 4GY www.slimmingworld.com Consultant: Paula Tel: 01793 701442

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21/07/2011 10:57

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Massage therapist seeks sponsors

Mobile massage therapist Nikki Roberts from Grange Park beat over 11,000 applicants to work for a charity of her choice under the Vodafone World of Difference Programme, and is now looking for sponsors. undivided attention and a nice Nikki, 41, relaxing treatment once a week, was funded for they can start to feel human again.” two months To sponsor Nikki contact nikki@ to give home nikki-roberts.co.uk massages to members of the Swindon Youngsters want to MS Society unshow off sponsors’ logo able to travel to So many youngsters wanted to therapists. join Shaw FC for next season that Having seen the need she wants to help suffer- the club is entering two under 10s ers more. She said, “many with teams in the North Wilts League MS suffer from fatigue but have from September - the Eagles and problems sleeping. The treatments the Falcons.

However any self-respecting helped them to relax. For people in wheelchairs, lack of circulation in team needs to look the part on the the legs is a problem. Massaging pitch and the club needs kit sponthem helps ease the discomfort they sors. To help out contact James Grant: jgrant39@ntlworld.com experience.”

Nikki wants to continue workPlayers and sponsors ing with MS sufferers and needs needed for adult team sponsorship to cover costs and salary, either from one business Village Inn FC in Shaw is looking or a number of individuals and for players aged 18 to 35 years companies. She said, “in return, who can help them make a push I’m happy to wear T-shirts, badges, for promotion to division two of the bags and appear in publicity articles Swindon Sunday League.

The club is also looking for a promoting sponsors.

“Often when people are ill, they shirt sponsor.

For details contact Bob Livingreceive very good medical treatment, but are sometimes left feeling stone on 07815 487401 or mail: like a machine. By giving them my bobliv@btinternet.com

Produce this advert instore to receive 25% off the RRP of any Endura Cycle clothing in stock T&C - Only 1 voucher per customer & 1 voucher per transaction. Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 31/08/2011

• FREE gait analysis • cycle workshop • bike sales, repairs & custom builds • running shoes • wetsuits & triathlon clothing • clothing & accessories • sports nutrition • heart rate monitors • bike fitting jig • finance available Unit 108, Basepoint Business Centre Swindon SN5 7EX

33

This summer, burn calories not cash.

6 weeks for just £39*

At Curves, it takes just 30 minutes, 3 times a week to see real results. To lose inches and meet like-minded women, visit your local Curves and ask for the 6 week trial offer. In addition, if you work out 3 times per week, you can join as a full member for FREE.

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McTimoney Chiropractor

• Clinics in West Swindon including the Link Centre • Ample Free parking, on major bus routes • Gentle & affordable professional chiropractic care

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DITCH THE WORK OUT, JOIN THE PARTY! The Latin Inspired, Easy To Follow, Calorie-Burning, Dance-Fitness Party Red Oaks Primary School: Mondays: 6.10pm - 7.00pm Wednesdays: 6.40pm - 7.30pm Gorse Hill Community Centre: Sundays: 7.00pm - 7.50pm Wednesdays: 12.10pm - 1.00pm Toothill Community Centre: Tuesdays: 12.30pm - 1.20pm Freshbrook Community Centre: Tuesdays: 6.00pm - 6.45pm NEW TIME - Greendown School: Tuesdays: 7.20pm - 8.10pm Visit the website for more classes www.zumbainswindon.co.uk info@zumbainswindon.co.uk Kathie 0777 5651566 ZUMBA® and the Zumba Fitness logo are trademarks used under license.

21-52 August 11.indd 33

22/07/2011 12:06

34

swindonlink.com • August 2011

Olympic great Sir Steve plays games with Haydonleigh children

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • NECK PAIN Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic • BACK PAIN will benefit you.

• HEADACHES Please call • SPORTS INJURY 01793 602454 • CAR ACCIDENT

Five times Olympic Gold Medalist Sir Steve Redgrave called into Haydonleigh Primary School on 7 July to put youngsters through their paces as an ambassador for the Matalan Sporting Promise which is supporting sports and PE activity in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC Member of the Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems British Chiropractic Association & College above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive of Chiropractors. strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike. Registered with GCC

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Haydonleigh youngsters with Sir Steve Redgrave and Swindon schools sporting ambassador Lillie Bellamy of Commonweal School

Adam Brock, Haydonleigh’s PE co-ordinator said, “Matalan Sporting Promise, and in particular Matalan TOP Sport for our primary school, is such a brilliant resource for teachers and pupils. We’ve all loved the PE lessons this summer and it was really exciting to receive a visit from Sir Steve.”

The Olympic knight himself said business support for sport in school is important. “The more companies who take this kind of initiative the better. Young people need every

Thinking beyond the Olympics

Come and visit Swindon’s Premier Garra Rufa fish foot spa Be one of hundreds who have been amazed at our little ‘therapists’ as they gently ‘kiss’ away hard skin, stimulate acupuncture points and circulation, and alleviate conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Many people who have tried this treatment have reported that as well as seeing soft, supple and smooth skin, they had one of the best night’s sleep they’d ever had! The water is filtered 6 times an hour and goes through UV sterilisation; there is absolutely no risk of cross contamination.

• SENIOR CITIZENS 20% OFF on Tuesdays and Wednesdays • BOOK A PARTY OF 6 or more and receive 10% OFF • GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE 15 minute treatment £15 30 minute treatment £25 (inc FREE lotion and foot massage) Pedicure with shape and paint £8

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Sole Spa Swindon, 75 Basepoint Business Centre, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon, SN5 7EX www.solespa-swindon.co.uk • info@solespa-swindon.co.uk

21-52 August 11.indd 34

Swindon Council’s Leisure Services Sport and Physical Activity Team will be out and about in August running community sports days in more remote urban areas and the villages around the town, focusing particularly in those areas that have lower participation rates where people find it harder to get involved.

They will be tapping into the spirit of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now less than 12 months away, and working with Groundworks and Cadburys Spots V Stripes programme.

The community sports tour visits many parts of the town including Peatmoor, Penhill, Blunsdon, Chiseldon, Wroughton and Old Town. On offer will be a range of fun activities such as frisbee golf, volleyball, walking, football, tag and dodgeball.

The team is keen to recruit volunteer organisers and coaches to keep the activities going well beyond the Olympics.

For dates and details of activities, see www.challengeswindon.org.uk

encouragement to participate in physical activity and the commitment by business to work with schools and increase the resources available can only be good.”

Link pool closure for August The swimming pool at Link Centre will be closed from Monday 1 August until Sunday 4 September so that essential structural repairs can be carried out.

New showers and changing cubicles are to be installed and areas in the changing room and poolside will be retiled.

For details or queries mail Kim Bedry: kbedry@swindon.gov.uk

Two courses of fitness contrast Join the party

Places are now being booked for a 6 week Zumba course taking place every Tuesday from 20 September, 7pm to 8pm, at Catherine Wayte Primary School, Abbey Meads.

Learn yoga basics

A six week ‘Introduction to Yoga’ course starts on Tuesday 20 September, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at Orchid Vale Primary School, Haydon End. Both courses are for adults only and each can be booked for a too-goodto-be true £25 per person. Places are on a first come first served basis.

Mail Lisa Parkinson: lisa@evolve2. org.uk for details Evolve2 is setting up more classes in North Swindon. If you have an idea for other courses mail: www.evolve2.org.uk

22/07/2011 15:23

swindonlink.com • August 2011 Advertising feature

Put the best foot forward with The Running School

A new business designed to ensure that you learn how to run correctly has been launched at Basepoint Business Centre in West Swindon.

Taw Hill resident Steiner Roberts, right, has brought the franchise to the town, having been a coach at the original Running School in London, working with elite athletes, footballers and rugby players.

However the Swindon branch offers the running school service to anybody, whether they are beginners, recreational runners or elite competitors. In just six sessions Steiner will teach the correct technique using a specialised treadmill at his new unit at Basepoint. He said, “running is a skill that you can be taught; but like any other skill, if you don’t learn the correct technique you’re leaving yourself open to all sorts of injuries. ing out on the treadmill or outside, “The programme is based on an says Steiner. “Integral to the traininitial bio-mechanical assessment ing is core stability work, using using a treadmill and video record- floor exercises to develop specific ing to provide a clear picture of muscle areas.” how the runner is working. From He also offers rehabilitation prothis I can coach the customer to grammes for injured runners and a develop more effective methods of special running programme for chilrunning, perhaps un-learning the dren aged 8 to 14 years, specifically poor techniques they’ve picked up designed to take account of growth, in the past, with increasing speed co-ordination, size and ability. and endurance in later sessions.”

To contact Steiner see details in Running is more than just work- the advert below.

PAINFUL FEET? Mrs Lesley Taylor MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

35

The Thyme Treatment Rooms

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Ingrowing Toenails Also Reflexology Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914

Spa Packages from £50

Includes treatments, use of the Leisure Facilities and a meal from the Spa menu.

Or upgrade to include an overnight stay with bed & breakfast

Clinic at: 113 High Street Wootton Bassett

PILATES CLASS

FOR BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS Every Monday, 7.45 - 8.45pm and every Tuesday, 8 - 9pm at Peatmoor Community Primary School Every Thursday, 7pm - 8pm, at Isambard Community School Each course is for 6 weeks, to be booked and paid for in advance, costing £30.

For further details and to book on the next course please contact Debbie Mitchell

on 01793 722152 or 07745 422365

Summer Thyme St Tropez spray tan Holiday waxing Lash extensions Shellac nails Minx toes

Marriott Hotel, Pipers Way Swindon SN3 1SH

Tel: 01793 433338

www.thethymetreatmentrooms.co.uk

THE RUNNING SCHOOL If you’ve been looking for a way to improve your running and run faster, then look no further – The Running School is the most effective, complete, motivating and easy-to-follow running programme for runners of any level.

We teach you how to run in just 6 sessions.

The Running School for Kids Starts from the age of 8 to 14 and we make it fun!

We have a special running programme for kids which takes into account their growth, their co-ordination, agility, size and ability.

Please call, email or see website for more details 94 Basepoint Business Centre Rivermead Drive Swindon SN5 7EX

01793 721977 07731 793575 info@runningschoolswindon.co.uk www.runningschool.co.uk

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM: • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LOWER BACK PAIN • NUMBNESS IN ARMS & HANDS • PAIN BETWEEN SHOULDER BLADES • WHIPLASH • NUMBNESS OR PAIN IN LEGS If you are experiencing any of these symptoms call our clinic TODAY for an appointment Ridgeway Medi-Spa Chiropractic, Fairwater Stables, 1 High Street, Wroughton, Wilts SN4 9JX

SPECIAL OFFER £20 ORIGINAL PRICE £100 OR MORE! Offer ends 31st August 2011

www.ridgewaymedispa.com

Your initial visit will include: ✓ A private consultation with the Doctor ✓ X-rays if necessary ✓ A thorough spinal examination including orthopaedic and neurological tests ✓ A confidential report of our findings ✓ An explanation of our treatment procedure if we determine Chiropractic can help you ✓ A referral to the appropriate specialist if we determine a Doctor of Chiropractic cannot help you

TELEPHONE: 01793 814567

22/07/2011 14:39

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Cross-channel swim curry to boost funds

Swindonkungfu.co.uk

Looking for fun, friendship and fitness?

Junior Kung Fu Adults Kung Fu Chinese Kickboxing Mixed Martial Arts

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS RUNNING COURSES

Call 01793 747654 or visit the website for more details

In just 10 weeks we will help you run non-stop for 30 minutes (approx. 5km) INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION EVENING Tuesday 6th Sept, 7.30pm at Unit 8, Star West, Westmead Drive, SN5 7SW For more information call Clare on 07793 573487

Email: clare@lspersonaltraining.com www.slinnallstars.co.uk Affiliated to England Athletics Qualified Running Coaches

Achieve height in the holidays

PILATES EVERY MONDAY 18.15 - 19.15 Village Hall Broad Hinton

EVERY TUESDAY 13.05 - 13.55 St Bart’s Church Hall Wootton Bassett

EVERY TUESDAY 19.30 - 20.30 Lyneham Primary School

EVERY WEDNESDAY 18.15 - 19.15 Pheonex Bar High Street Wootton Bassett

CIRCUITS EVERY MONDAY 19.30 - 20.15 Village Hall Broad Hinton

NEW from 1st July

Beth Sowden and Sarah Baker, below, have been training hard for a team cross channel swim in aid of Aspire, the spinal injury charity, and also raising the £1,500 each needs to take part.

On Monday 8 August they will be taking the opportunity to pile on the pounds to ward off the cold in the water and pull in the pounds for the charity at the Bombay Lounge, Peatmoor To help them raise money for Aspire, book a table by calling the restaurant on 887799.

EVERY TUESDAY 18.30 - 19.15 Lyneham Primary School Preston Lane EVERY FRIDAY 10.00 - 10.45 St Barts Church Hall Wootton Bassett EVERY THURSDAY 19.00 - 19.45 Wootton Bassett School Lime Kiln

FOR INFO AND BOOKINGS CALL

Louise on 07843 388 938 louise.energise@btinternet.com

If you think you’ll be climbing the walls with the kids this summer, don’t – climb rocks instead.

New company - Rock Climbing Adventures - is offering fun active days out, with all equipment, insurance and a fully qualified instructor. And it’s not just for families. Friends, colleagues, individuals, stags and hen parties, corporate team building can also enjoy what’s on offer.

Owner Adam Girling enjoys climbing so much that he has decided on this new venture to help others experience the outdoors. He said, “ you can have a fantastic day out, with breathtaking views, and take home some lasting memories. There are no rocks to climb locally, but only a short distance away there are many to explore, for example, at Symonds Yat, Cleeve Hill and Goblin Combe.

“Climbing is great to enjoy with friends, family and work colleagues, to learn new skills and build confidence, stamina and fitness. I know families will be looking for something different to experience this summer that will offer a challenge and a sense of achievement – look no further.

Prices depend on the number of people in the group.” www.rockclimbingadventures.co.uk

FREE Guided Rides Every Sunday in Swindon!

The rides are free of charge and are open to all abilities every Sunday afternoon. They set off from different locations each week and are a wonderful opportunity to get out with the family, make new friends, or just relax and discover the local cycling networks and the joys of cycling.

All our routes are targeted at people of average fitness rather than racing cyclists and you can register on the day. Most rides will be completed within 2 hours, but this will depend on the ability of the whole group. No one will be left behind or asked to go faster and shortcuts are available.

The only rule is to relax and enjoy the ride.

Please contact me for a timetable or visit www.ctc.org.uk/swindonrides.

If you have any queries about the ride, please contact Anna Cipullo on 07717 696672 or email: anna.cipullo@ctc.org.uk

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

£80 from 80 supporters to help Guide Dogs celebrate 80 years Alan Fletcher, chair of Swindon Guide Dogs, says October presents a great opportunity to give the visually impaired greater independence On 6 October 1931, the first four collection - or anything you would dog food, vets bills and breeding and comes to an annual cost of guide dog partnerships were cre- like to do.

We have 20 guide dog partner- £36,500 just in our area alone. ated and from those first German Please contact me if you can help Shepherds, up to the end of 2010 ships in the Swindon area and it the number had increased to just costs our charity £5 a day to support by calling 827589 or mail: shiralan@ over 29,000, providing people these partnerships. The £5 pays for fletcas.freeserve.co.uk limited by blindness the chance to live much more fulfilling lives Some other ways to help Swindon Guide Dogs exceed expectations: in their communities.

Guide Dogs are organising events Abseil for Guide Dogs at the County Ground on Sunday 18 September. across the land from 1 October until There is a £20 registration fee, returnable on the day or part of your 9 October and Swindon Guide Dogs sponsorship (minimum £100). Over 10s can take part with written parental would like 80 groups, organisations, permission. For details call Guide Dogs Leamington on 0845-3727345(lobusinesses or individuals to come cal rate call) or email: leamingtonadmin@guidedogs.org.uk forward to celebrate this truly amaz- Swindon Guide Dogs are looking for people to run and raise funds by ing achievement by each raising at entering the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon, 5k multi-terrain or the least £80 during October, whether two mile family fun run on Sunday 9 October.

Register at www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk and contact Alan Fletcher it is from a quiz or race night, dress down day, coffee morning, a small for a sponsorship form and details how to get a free Guide Dogs running top.

Become a walker to prepare puppies for work Guide Dogs are looking for volunteers to become puppy walkers in the Swindon area, to take the puppy into their home at the age of six weeks and keep them for

about a year, prepare them for their working life ahead by taking them on public transport, and into busy town centres.

The puppies will become com-

Walk for Freedom, Peatmoor Lagoon Sunday 18 September, 11am The Animals Asia Swindon Support Group is organising a three mile walk to raise money for the work of Animals Asia in China who rescue Asiatic ‘moonbears’ kept in cages and farmed for their bile.

Registration is a £10 minimum donation but children can take part without charge. Registration is free if sponsorship exceeds the registration fee.

See details at www.animalsasia-swindon.co.uk or mail Sarah Chilvers: sarahchilvers66@ hotmail.com

‘Swindon’s Moonbear’ Zebedee, named after the Magic Roundabout, enjoying life in the Animals Asia sanctuary after rescue from a life of barbaric incarceration on a bear farm

LETTER TO THE LINK

From Gillian James, Akers Way I would like to say thank you to one of your advertisers Angharad Wheeler, who runs Domestique Cleaning Services, who came to me after I called her from your magazine.

As a 72 year old who can’t get out very much, Angharad brought a ray of sunshine into my life. She came to my home and did all the hoovering and still had time to have a good chat with me. I can’t get over what a bubbly positive character she is, an absolute treasure.

‘Like’ Swindon Link on Facebook and be the first to know when stories have been posted on our website or have headline notices tweeted to you by following us @swindonlink If social networking is not for you, go directly to

panions in their temporary homes and will one day become a guide dog for someone who is visually impaired to help them get their mobility, confidence and independence back.

For details on becoming a puppy walker call 0845 371 7771 or see www.guidedogs.org.uk/puppywalking To learn about becoming a puppy walker call Alan Fletcher on 827589 or 07766-657880.

37

PAMPERED PETS Pet sitting & dog walking Reliable, caring service, giving your pet the love and attention they deserve while you’re away from home Fully insured & police checked

Tel: 01793 874806 or 07534 083191

Janet‛s Puppy Skool

Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes

✓ Playskool for puppies ✓ Adult beginners/improvers ✓ Senior Skool/advanced classes ✓ One to one advice & training ✓ Fun agility workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066) Janet Garrett DipCAPBT Dip.dog.psy

Tel: 01793 727158 email: janet.garrett@virgin.net

You don’t always have to see a vet

Nurse clinic appointments are available Monday to Friday.

Advice, guidance and consultation on various aspects of your pet’s health available from as little as £8.92 or free if you are a club member.

62 - 64 Purton Rd, Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780

24 Hour Emergency Service

Open: Monday to Friday 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Gardens open for good cause Some 20 gardens in Nine Elms and Old Shaw Lane opened over the weekend of 18 and 19 June.

Large numbers of visitors enjoyed the hard work of gr e e n f i n g e r e d home owners and also cream teas served at organiser Lesley Dredge’s front garden in aid Lesley and Ray Dredge and the cream tea volunteers, of Breakthrough from left, Louise Spencer, Helen Nutt, Jean Haywood, Jenny Machin, Jackie Hughes Breast Cancer.

Advertising feature

☞

CLICK & BUY ON ONLINE SIMPLE TO USE ONLINE SHOP SELECT YOUR DIY FENCE/GATE KIT BUY & WE DELIVER

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FULL RANGE OF GATES • Help & Advice on all Fencing Matters • Free Home Survey • Famiy Business Est 1983

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KUDOS FENCING Free Estimate on

01793 855800

Getting the best out of your garden Internationally established garden maintenance company Jim’s Mowing has set up in Swindon with Rod Boyd offering a lot more than just cutting grass.

Rod trained and qualified at Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural College and covers an area around the town, treating lawns, tending to hedges and trees, fencing, turfing and planting, plus power washing patios and garden furniture and building garden sheds.

He provides regular garden maintenance service or can undertake one-off jobs, taking pride in his

work and ensuring that customers are 100 per cent satisfied.

All jobs are priced following a free quotation and no garden is too big or too small for Rod’s expertise.

Customers can be invoiced monthly and even if there is a regular contract, there is no compulsion to have lawns mown if it is not needed. Local businesses and property owners find the security of Jim’s Mowing comprehensively insured, licensed and qualified services particularly beneficial. See Rod’s contact details in the advert below.

Need help in the Garden?

• Lawn Mowing, Feeding and Treating • Turfing & Oversowing • Garden Clearances and Planting • Power Washing Patios and Furniture • Hedge Trimming and Pruning • Fencing & Shed Building

21-52 August 11.indd 38

21/07/2011 11:09

swindonlink.com • August 2011

39

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking Hedge cutting & pruning

No Job Too Small. All works insured Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation

on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Chelworth Landscapes

Fencing & Garden Maintenance

• Fencing and gates Closeboard, trellis, panels, picket, chainlink, security etc

• Landscaping Shingle, paving, water features, turfing and planting

• Garden maintenance Grasscutting, tree and shrub pruning, clearance etc.

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029

CLIFF WHITEWAY SERVICES For all your home & garden needs Patios Decking Paths Turfing Walling Fencing Driveways For a free quote call Cliff on

Tel: 01793 731418

www.chelworthlandscapes.co.uk

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD

Garden Doctors

❖ 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

LANDSCAPES LTD

35 Spencer Close, West Swindon

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152 www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

lackwood Jill B Garden Magic

Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPING SERVICE

Established in 1994, we have completed over 1500 Gardens & Driveways With an enviable reputation for reliable, skilled work borne out by the many recommendations received See photos & testimonials at

www.swindonlandscaping.co.uk Contact James Cherry for free & friendly advice

01793 526571 Mob: 07760127139

Mob: 077382 98004

willslatergardencare@hotmail.com

or e-mail: gillian.blackwood@ntlworld com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

• Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting

Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

GAZEBO LANDSCAPING

01793 832232 07967 594707

Comprehensive service Qualified staff Fully insured

01793 687357 07971 566880

David Hawkins Tree Surgeon ALL TYPES OF TREE SERVICES Hedge cutting Stump grinding Fruit tree pruning

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS

Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Fully insured Free estimates 19 years experience

21-52 August 11.indd 39

Tel: 01793 486507

Block paving, patios, fencing, turfing etc

For a free consultation in the Swindon area call Jill Blackwood on:

Mobile: 07951 014119

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

Mobile: 07808 355487

Established locally for over 8 years References available

EST. 1990

HERITAGE TREE CARE

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding NO VAT • Ponds & pergolas

Tel: 07711 253508 gazebolandscaping @gmail.com Quality products & workmanship

Lawn & Hedge Cutting Maintenance General Garden Tidy Patios • Turfing

Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 j.dowell@live.co.uk

21/07/2011 11:09

40

swindonlink.com • August 2011 ®

MOBILE CAR VALETING SERVICE

BROUGHT TO YOUR HOME OR WORKPLACE

• Interior/Exterior Valet • Cars, Caravans and Motorhomes • Hot wash system • Odour removal • Paint protection/ Rectification • Diamondbrite/ Caravanbrite application • Steam cleaning • Fully insured and highly trained For quotation call Freephone

0800 0834 683 Quote ADV.1 for 10% discount www.autovaletdirectswindon.co.uk info@autovaletdirect.co.uk

Cabinet councillor gets stuck into the outdoors Shaw and Nine Elms councillor Nick Martin is possibly the only member of Swindon Council’s cabinet who gets his hands dirty doing practical things in the community.

With responsibility for parks and been single handedly removopen spaces, including Lydiard and ing overgrown hedges and Stanton parks, Shaw Forest, various scrub to improve sight lines cemeteries and bowling greens, plus and increase the amount of Street Smart provision like tree cut- usable space.

He’s looking for help in ting and footpath maintenance, Nick keeps busy overseeing delivery of this endeavour and would services in difficult economic times. welcome calls from anybody Having been a moving force who can offer some time to get behind the combining of the involved in cutting back trees former Salt Way Primary School and improving the environplaying field in Middleleaze with ment in Middleleaze.

Give him a call on 07930 the adjacent public open space, in modern big society fashion, he has 442223 or mail: nmartin@ swindon.gov.uk

Better to view birds by Thanks to a Swindon Council community grant, volunteers from Peatmoor Community Woodland Group have built a platform on the east side of Shaw Community Forest park, overlooking the bird sanctuary at Swindon Lagoons where access is restricted to supervised open days.

Some of the helpers who built the platform, from left, Chris Shepherd, Nick Martin, Swindon Council park ranger Stuart Searle, Edward Glennie, Gina Adams

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS ★ Engine diagnostics ★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee)

For a reliable local service with over 30 years experience (No VAT to pay)

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ cam belt replacement ✶ engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds ✶ electrical fault code reading ✶ MOT repairs ✶ vehicle sales ✶ servicing to light commercials

Open 8.30am - 5.30pm

Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667

21-52 August 11.indd 40

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett

22/07/2011 12:24

Seven stunning Swindon developments – take your pick!

Part Ex avai change lable *

Buy w 5% ith only depo sit*

Goddard Mews High Street, Old Town SN1 3EG (find us behind the Goddard Arms Hotel) 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £226,250

0845 026 4170 Royal Mead Off Okus Road, Old Town SN1 4JH 4 bedroom townhouses from £199,995

0845 026 4163 Burghley Place Queen Elizabeth Drive, Off Thamesdown Drive SN25 2HH 3 bedroom homes from £175,350

0845 671 3297 The Hedgerows Dydale Road SN25 1XD 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £163,800

Taylor Wimpey at Wichelstowe Off Croft Road SN1 4RW 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £142,000

0845 671 9012 1887 Okus Road, Swindon SN1 4HZ An exciting range of 2 & 3 bedroom homes from £232,995

mor 1.99% fi tgag e for xed rate 3 ye ars* *

0845 026 5674 Saddlers Rise Thursday Street, Priory Vale, Swindon SN25 1TT A superb development of 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £157,500

0845 026 5069

0845 026 4186

Seven amazing developments in Swindon A selection of homes ranging in size at one of our beautiful developments above.

Sales information centres open daily 10am – 5pm, except Goddard Mews and Royal Mead, open Thursday to Monday 10am – 5pm

taylorwimpey.co.uk/swindon *Offers on selected plots only, subject to status and our normal terms and conditions. Offers not in conjunction with any other offer. **Offer based on Taylor Wimpey UK Limited subsidising mortgage interest rate to 1.99% for first three years, subject to status. Maximum total benefit is based on 5% of purchase price, paid direct to purchaser after legal completion, is not offered with any other promotion, available on selected developments and properties. Applicants will need to use a mortgage broker and solicitor from Taylor Wimpey’s panel who will act solely for the purchaser.

Terms and conditions apply on all offers, full details available on request or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Prices correct at time of going to press. Images representative only.

21-52 August 11.indd 41

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

Nova Hreod strengthen ties

UNITS 19-20 KENDRICK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SWINDON WILTS SN2 2DU

TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY to the general public and trade customers

BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING, PATIO SLABS, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL, BARK, CANTABURY SPAR, LANDSCAPE FABRIC, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT

Nova Hreod played host to two special visitors from Harold Cressy School in May to develop a new science based project which will forge closer links with their Cape Town partners.

Physics and maths teacher David de Storie and his colleague, maths and economics specialist Zaida Petersen, spent an intensive week in Swindon, attending lessons and developing a checklist of what needs to be done to set up a science and maths programme.

“The project will involve year 8

students at Nova Hreod and years 8 and 9 at Harold Cressy, said community coordinator Tom Wilkes.

“Its aim will be to compare and contrast the human impact on our respective local environments, including carbon footprints and how we interact with the natural world.”

David said, “we’re looking forward to conducting surveys of our local nature reserve at Cape Point, which will be a new experience for our students.

“It’s important to develop an awareness of the world outside our

Building links between Swindon and Cape Town, from left, Tom Wilkes of Nova, and Harold Cressy School teachers Zaida Peterson and David de Storie

www.sansums.co.uk

Why move when you can improve?

With over 50 years experience we can project manage your new conservatory from start to finish creating an additional room for you to enjoy all year round - tailor made to suit your needs.

Don’t Forget!

We also sell doors, windows and timber garden buildings.

FENSA

Registered Company

Market leaders in conservatory technology

21-52 August 11.indd 42

Buy a conservatory and get up to £2,000 Free* towards any combination of: • Cane - Rattan - Hardwood Furniture • Tiled Floors • Ceiling Fans • Electric Heaters Low cost finance available - subject to status

Visit our show site at:

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor Swindon SN2 2QJ

01793 526691 conservatoryworld@btconnect.com

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply

22/07/2011 12:27

swindonlink.com • August 2011

with South African school normal schoolyard, and what we are learning from our British partners here in Swindon is helping us to build up best practice in maths, science and technology, as well as helping our students become wiser people in their own country.”

Zaida added, “ultimately we would like our learners to be involved in the exchanges. It’s so important that our young people start to think globally.”

The relationship between the two schools has gone from strength to strength since the instigation of a history project last autumn, focus-

142573

ing on apartheid and the devastating clearances of District 6 in Cape Town, right on the doorstep of what is now Harold Cressy School.

Plans are now afoot to establish a private virtual network with open communications for staff and students to stay in touch across the continents, and collaborate online.

“The British Council funded our last project, and we’re hoping that our science proposal will secure similar funding,” said Tom. “But if not we’re determined to keep this link going as it has brought so much to our students’ learning.”

GASTECH

The Independent Gas Specialists

For gas service call 01793 848800

• Servicing, Repairs, Installation • Central Heating (including Combination boilers and Warm Air) • Landlord Safety Checks • Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters

Service Contract Specialists 6 Templars Way Industrial Est, Marlborough Rd, W. Bassett SN4 7SR

www.gastechwilts.co.uk

43

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon 01793 526691 Open 7 days a week

Quality TGB garden buildings for any situation Bespoke sizes available Base laying & installation available

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk

B o u n da ry Windows

Providing High Quality Windows and Doors to Swindon for over 20 years • Windows • Conservatories • Doors • Fascias • Guttering • • • • • • •

Large range of styles available Range to suit all budgets and tastes High Security Locks The highest attention to detail 10 Year Guarantees • Bi-Fold Doors Local Family Run Business Sash Box Windows - UPVC / FENSA Timber Replaced or Repaired Registered Company

Free Quotation / No Obligation

SWINDON 01793 341546 MOBILE 07799 118283 www.boundary-windows.co.uk

N O I T C E T

PROAGAINST THNETS E M E L E

Masonry Paint All the leading brands, including Dulux Weathershield, Sandtex and Albany in either a smooth or textured finish.

4 Wyndham Road Hawksworth Trading Estate Swindon Tel 01793 643200 Fax 01793 487776 swindon@brewers.co.uk

21-52 August 11.indd 43

21/07/2011 11:10

44

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows.

Also hinges and locks.

Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

Haydon Wick Heating Services

All heating and plumbing works undertaken

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

hwheating@googlemail.com

HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE A local reliable & friendly service

217129

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

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

01793 700 820 www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

& Property Renovation Services Fuse board upgrade, Rewiring, New sockets, Lighting, Cooker & Shower installations No job too small Kitchen & Bathroom refits and anything else in between Free quotations and no call out charge Call Iain on 01793 851374 or 07860 689695 e-mail: iain@dixiain.co.uk Part P Approved Contractor

dixiain

impact swindon Advertise in the town’s most closely read publication.

Call 01793 602540 for details www.swindonlink.com

21-52 August 11.indd 44

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

Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more

• Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices

For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797

The Fitting Crew UPVC, Facia and Guttering Specialists

• 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

         

NO MORE PAINTING - DEAL DIRECT

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

West Swindon Plumbing

Call Charlie for a free no obligation quote on all your plumbing needs Covering Swindon and surrounding areas No job too small from leaking taps, dripping overflows, broken toilets, outside taps, radiators, pumps, emersion heaters to complete bathrooms.

All at competitive rates.

07766 565458 01793 432512

ALL SEASONS 24 HR

01793 725155 Home Improvement Specialist

01793 728039 or 0784 182 6390 for a Free Estimate

Specialists in Design, supply & installation of bespoke bathrooms Complete service Working in conjunction with

TileSure

Call Tony on: Tel: 01793 521856 or Mobile: 07770 615154 Free quotations All work guaranteed

Qualified tradesman, 28 years experience

• Artex covered smooth • Plastering ceiling & walls • Re-boarding • Stud partition walls • Coving • Painting • Hanging & re-hanging doors • Wall & floor tiling • Laminate & wood floor installation • UPVC windows & doors Free estimates. Quality service guaranteed Call David on 07796 262942 or 01793 702742 dlpropertyservices@yahoo.co.uk

MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME \

WILLING & ABLE

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

We offer Free quotes No deposit needed Best prices No salesmen 10 minute survey Local family business 19 yrs experience Repairs & cleaning No job too small All work guaranteed

DL Property Services

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice

doctor glass

PROPERTY SERVICES • • • • • •

Plumbing and heating Landlord safety checks & system upgrades Kitchens & bathrooms Power flushing and water softeners Plastering and rendering All interior & exterior maintenance work undertaken All work planned, scheduled & guaranteed

For friendly advice call

01793 324026 or 07533 749104

www.willingandablepropertyservices.co.uk

21/07/2011 11:12

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PB Plastering & Bricklaying General Building Services Including Extensions Loft Conversions Patios & Fencing Wall & Floor Tiling Block Paving Painting & Decorating

Call Pete

Tel: 01793 612499 Mob: 07790 283186

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES Electrical (Part P registered) Plumbing Painting & Decorating Tiling • Plastering Carpentry • Cabinet Making • Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

Call Andrew on 07718 022201

Plumbing & Heating • No call-out charge.

• No job too small.

• 24/7 x 365 emergency call-out service.

• Specialising in the total installation of bathrooms, shower rooms & wet rooms • All work completed to a high standard with attention to detail.

• References available on request.

• Fully qualified plumbing technician.

• Full public liability insurance.

For a FREE no obligation estimate, please call Chris on: T: 01793 734385 • M: 07980 643572 E: cb-plumbingandheating@hotmail.co.uk

Milestone Building Services

General property maintenance Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry, plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring

Interior and exterior decorating carried out to a high standard including: • Painting • Wallpapering • Coving • Tiling • General Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL

For a prompt friendly professional service Telephone: 875354 Mobile: 07970 483393

No job too small • Free estimates Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

Call 07891 933420 or 01793 491046 www.CRS-carpentry.co.uk

21-52 August 11.indd 45

For reliability and value for money call Simon on: 07798 684215 or 01793 829526

Bathrooms & Kitchens

Design to Installation

❖ Loft conversions ❖ Fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms ❖ Doors and windows ❖ Stairs ❖ All other carpentry Clean, reliable 18 years experience Call Derek Ponting on: 01793 882818 or 07865 566508 www.derekponting.co.uk

J’s Electrical Carpentry & Renovation Services • Supply and fit kitchens • Fitted wardrobes • Replacement doors, staircases and handrails • Supply and fit decking • Laminate & solid flooring

Ashdown

Semi-retired Plumber 24hr emergency call out

• All aspects of Heating and Plumbing undertaken • Boiler and central heating installations and repairs • Gas safety certificates • Bathroom design & installation • General repairs and servicing • No VAT on labour

• PLUMBING • CARPENTRY • TILING • Electrics

All Work Guaranteed. Quality Finish And Attention To Detail Is Assured.

No Job Too Small

Call Mark: 01793 887766 Mob: 07979 267757

www.bathrooms-swindon.co.uk FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE 24/7 Emergency Call Out • All Works Guaranteed • Reliable & Affordable

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

Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations

No job too small

Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

Advert.indd 1

01793 878636

T.

523887

Power Flus hing Agent

www.CentraHeat.co.uk

CentraHeat.co.uk

www.

07739 357617

M.

02/02/2011 09:58 21/07/2011 11:12

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BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

Stylish Bathrooms The complete package in bathroom installation including wall and floor tiling, underfloor heating and plumbing.

All work guaranteed with references available Attention to detail and finish our priority For free friendly estimate please contact DARREN BAKER-STEWART on

01793 320773 07779 006360

darrenbakerstewart@rocketmail.com www.stylishbathrooms.biz

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

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

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

Plumbing

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

For a free estimate call Sean on

Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

Approved Plumber

Exterior Painting

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving

• Laminate flooring

• Doors & skirting

replacement

• Kitchen • Bathroom

internal alterations

Windows, doors, soffits, fascia and walls Quality workmanship All interior decoration too 30 yrs experience Friendly reliable service References available Full public liability insurance

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

SAFE & SHAW

Quality Plumbing & Heating

RJ PeaRce

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

Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

PAINTER & DECORATOR

TREVOR WYSE

For your ‘Superior Interior’

• Wallpaper specialist • Coving • Tiling

Tel: 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

email: trevorwyse@btinternet.com

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

• Central heating

• Competitive rates • All work guaranteed

Reg: 128966

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

or 07900 835116

HOME MAINTENANCE (Household Maintenance) Handyman

• Plastering • Carpentry • Garden Maintenance, • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Fencing & Patios • Power Jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small

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

Call Andy: 01793 729354

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on 203455

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

PLASTERING

PLASTERING

ROOFING

Forest Plastering Services

KTL

HOUSEMARTIN

Internal & external All aspects covered Drylining & coving Artexing & patch repairs Painting & decorating Building & maintenance CRB cleared

CALL FREE - 0800 0320588 or 07876 505448

21-52 August 11.indd 46

20 years experience in plumbing work

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Services

Plumbing & Heating ltd • Bathrooms & showers

Tel: 01793 703550 Mob: 07749 862361 Built upon Quality & Service

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY

DECORATOR

For a free no obligation quote call Paul on 07775 840236 or 01793 321981

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

• Bathroom renovations • Kitchen renovations • Wall/floor tiling • All types of plumbing works • Carpentry/joinery work

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

The Roofing Specialist

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

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

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BUILDING SERVICES

BUILDING SERVICES

Paul Rhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

BUILDING SERVICES Galaxy Construction Ltd 4 4 4 4 4 4

Extensions Conservatories Garage conversions Garden walls & patios Block paved driveways Plastering & coving

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

Local, friendly building firm specialising in carpentry, painting and decorating, landscaping and general maintenance Also commercial work 24 hour emergency call out Free no obligation quotes Cost effective service with a professional finish

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

Email: ferrisbuilders@gmail.com

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

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

ain te

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

r&

FREE ESTIMATES

De cor ato r

DECORATOR

PR

ID

EP

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

HOME MAINTENANCE

Tel: 07891460780

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING 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 ✓ Full public liability insurance

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

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

TILING

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

21-52 August 11.indd 47

• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

Steve George

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

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR WALLPAPERING H COVING H

H

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

ALL KITCHENS FITTED

(Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

• Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling & worktops • Electrics & plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted incl granite

COMPLETE BATHROOMS FITTED Building work, plastering, tiling, electrics, plumbing, furniture APPROVED

30 years experienced tradesman

TILING

LJ TILING WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories and all natural stone.

Call Leon for a quote on: Tel: 01793 524147 Mob: 07919255673

TILING

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

Advertising Feature

No accountancy job too small for Fiona Qualified Chartered Accountant Fiona Johnstone of West Swindon has taken the leap from full-time corporate employment to set up her own accountancy practice, Enscription Limited, and is available for work with individuals or small businesses.

“Basically I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping people sort out their big bags of receipts for tax assessment, and I have over 16 years’ experience of business accounting,” she said.

“In this economic climate people are increasingly feeling the need to start their own business. Why should the fruits of all your hard work go to your employer when it could be directly rewarded to you?

There is definitely more drive for people to cut out the middle man and go out on their own.”

A mum of three young children, Fiona appreciates the things that matter to people and offers a friendly, reliable and professional service with reasonable rates and flexible payment terms.

To find out how Fiona can assist, call 321065. Or mail: contact@enscription.co.uk

West cafes volunteer help wanted

Two community cafes in West Swindon are asking for more volunteers to come forward to help keep them going.

Because volunteers are encouraged to take customer service and catering qualifications there is always a turnover of helpers as they move on to employment or gain the confidence to pursue other interests.

The cafes are open at Toothill Church on Monday and Freshbrook Community Centre on Wednesday, 9.30am to 1.30pm on both days.

For details call Tina Mackie on 07944 134915.

Job vacancy

Experienced cafe supervisor/ cook required to run the Wednesday shift in Freshbrook Community Centre. £46 per shift is paid (8.30am to 2.30pm).

Details at www.swindoncommunitycafe.org.uk

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ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY Lynette White MAAT Accounting Services 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE Book keeping - Sage Line 50 VAT Returns Payroll Sole Trader & Ltd Co Accounts Tax Returns Personal service for small businesses Competitive prices

Telephone: 01793 521020 Mobile: 07877 950625 Email: lynettewhite48@uwclub.net Lynette White is licensed and regulated by the AAT under licence number 5014

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802

www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk

CLEARANCE

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• 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

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY

SJ BAKER ACCOUNTING

CJD ACCOUNTANCY LTD

A personal service for small businesses & individuals

V Year End Accounts V Tax Advice V Bookkeeping V VAT Returns V Payroll & PAYE V Self Assessments V Corporation Tax V Management Accounts FREE initial consultation available evenings and weekends

Telephone: 01793 737087 Mobile: 07717752116 www.sjbakeraccounting.co.uk

CLEANING 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

Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

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

COMPUTER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

C J Dell FCCA

Over 20 year’s experience For all your accountancy and taxation needs Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies.

Fixed Fee Quotes and No VAT Free first consultation

Tel: 01793 343255 Mobile: 07557 399987

Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com

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

Around £26 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

COMPUTER SUPPORT Computer problems?

Let us help

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

Skips are never this cheap View our prices online • House clearance • Rubbish removal • Sofas and furniture • Shed removal • Confidential waste

0800 6899988 or 07563 181500 email: enquiries@absolute-rubbish.co.uk www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk

Tel: 01793 325685

GARAGE DOORS

OVEN CLEANING

Installation & Repairs New Doors • Automation No Obligation Quotes Est. 1981

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £35 - Range £55 No hidden extras, includes racks, doors, glass 20 years experience No toxic chemicals in your home Reliable & Friendly Free Quotation To book your oven clean call

Showroom:

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

21-52 August 11.indd 48

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

01793 602550 or email:

oven@enlan.co.uk

OVEN CLEANING

SWINDON 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

21/07/2011 12:22

49

AERIAL SERVICES

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points NO VAT

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

CLEANING

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEARANCE

Bluebelles Cleaning 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 For a free quotation or further information call Mandy on

07955 374 201

LOCKSMITH

BROKEN OR FAULTY LOCK? LOCKED OUT? Local Locksmith and Carpenter Not a call centre with huge charges!

Genuine 24hr service

Call now on 07734 253189 Registered Company CRB Checked/Fully Insured

SCRAP METAL

RODDERS SCRAP METAL

GARAGE DOORS

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Pembroke Centre, Cheney Manor Ind Estate, Swindon SN2 2PQ

Tel 01793 878176 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

ADVERTISING WITH IMPACT

All metals removed FREE of charge Washing machines, cookers, microwaves etc.

Sorry no fridges or freezers Scrap cars collected FREE of charge

01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier

21-52 August 11.indd 49

Call 01793 602540 for details

BOOK-KEEPING

CARPET CLEANING

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

ProClean

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

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Swindon

h h h h h h

Domestic and Commercial End of Tenancy Cleaning Stain Removal Quality Products Used Quick Drying Free Competitive Quote

Mobile: 07506 740921

Email: sford1983@gmail.com

PM makes a wish with Joe

Taking a break from government David Cameron met St Francis Primary School, Taw Hill pupil Joe Wilding, 7, on 1 July, thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Joe came armed with policy ideas from his classmates, such as giving children chocolate cake instead of fruit and making dropping litter illegal.

Joe’s Mum Nicky who works at St Francis school said “Mr Cameron had a very busy day but still made time to see Joe and made him his focus for the whole visit. He showed Joe his private desk and introduced him to photos of his family, includ-

ing his son Ivan who died in 2009.”

“Joe absolutely loved the visit and keeps asking when he can go back.

It was amazing to go into a place where history is made; we got a real insight into the man behind the role of PM,” said Nicky. www.make-a-wish.org.uk

Charity evening helps Africa fundraising project

A midwife aiming to raise over £100,000 to build a life-saving orphanage, dispensary and maternity unit in Burkina Faso was delighted to receive a £300 cheque, thanks to a curry night at the Bombay Lounge.

Marie Lee To, 59, from Wroughton, has been busy fundraising, but hopes to be in the African village of Fada by the end of the year, to oversee the building and give practical midwifery advice. She said, “about 50 friends and members of the Discovery Church S w i n d o n h a d a Hanif Robani of the Bombay Lounge with Marie Lee To and lovely meal at the members of the Discovery Church Irene and Reg Messenger Bombay Lounge and we’d like to construction of a well, which is thank Hanif and the customers. critical to the compound. It’s their “The fundraising is going well, area of expertise and I’m waiting we’ve raised about £23,000 so far to hear from them. and hope to have enough money “On behalf of the women and to start building soon. We still need orphans of Fada, Burkina Faso, I to raise more for equipment and a would like to say a big thank you to vehicle.

The Link, the Bombay Lounge and “Halcrow Foundation has indi- everyone who has supported us.” cated there may be a possibility To help, contact Marie on Lcyof helping with the design and to2003@yahoo.co.uk

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50

swindonlink.com • August 2011

TERRY WINTER

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

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT . . .

RAINWATER HARVESTING HEAT PUMPS SOLAR WATER HEATING WIND TURBINES SOLAR ELECTRICITY . . . then give us a call

Tel: 01793 772277 www.rainwindsun.com E-mail: enquiries@rainwindsun.com

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

· Grass Cutting · Hedge Cutting · Weeding and general tidying · One-off tidy up or regular maintenance

Tel: 01793 874806 Mob: 07943 172523

Stitches Sewing Service

Dressmaking, Alterations and Repairs, Bespoke Costumes

Also Furnishing – Curtains, Cushions and Blinds etc.

Friendly, reliable service Contact Jean on 07887 600319

Flower Festival New date for

Friday 12 August, 11am to 4pm Saturday 13 August, 10am to 5pm Sunday 14 August, 11am to 4pm St Sampson’s Church, Cricklade Tea, coffee, squash and cakes

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 HQ Bath. Box 98. BA2 5PS

Suzzi’s Hats

Hats for all occasions: a day at the races, proms, weddings Hand made fascinators Hats to hire and to buy at: 44a Studley Grange Craft Village Tel: 07740 963062

Foodbank collection The collection by Swindon Foodbank volunteers at Sainsburys Stratton delayed from the beginning of July will now take place on 30 July.

Shoppers are asked to collect a list of requested items from a Foodbank volunteer and then make a donation on the way out of the shop.

Foodbank comes to the rescue when the cupboards are bare and a family has nowhere else to go to feed the children in a crisis. It provides short term emergency food boxes provided in ordinary shopping bags whilst help from other agencies is organised.

Further collections are planned for: 10 September: Co-op, Old Town 29 October:Tesco Extra, Ocotal Way 3 December: Sainsburys Bridgemead For details contact Foodbank project manager Richard Belsham on 07932 108732 or mail: richard.belsham@swindonfoodbank.co.ukw www.swindonfoodbank.co.uk

Friendly to children

Christ The Servant Church, Abbey Meads has received the Child Friendly Church Award which shows that it has opportunities for children and young people up to age 18, that their needs are being catered for and their views heard.

IT Support Specialist

for the home or business world I can help with all your computer needs.

Whether you’re a home user with a single machine or a large corporate, I have a solution for you. www.paulnet.co.uk Members of the church holding up the Child Friendly Church Award

• The Fairtrade Fortnight coffee morning and teddy bears’ picnic at the church advertised in The Link raised £231.50 for Traidcraft Exchange.

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

Songs of Praise in the walled garden

St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze, the church in the park, is holding outdoor services in the walled garden in Lydiard Park (or in the church if wet) on: Sunday 31 July, 5pm: All Things Bright and Beautiful with hymns and songs based on the garden; Sunday 28 August, 5pm: Hymns and songs based on the guidance of God; Sunday 25 September, 5pm: Hymns and songs celebrating harvest.

Retirement collections will be taken for the upkeep of the garden.

For details contact Rev Clive Deverell on 877111 or mail: clive.deverell@ btinternet.com

St. John’s Haydon Wick

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons

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

Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Services 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm

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swindonlink.com • August 2011

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New minister to join North Swindon church

After a long wait for a new minister, the Venerable Caroline Baston from the Isle of Wight is to become the new Transition Minister and Priest in Charge of St Andrews Church, North Swindon.

As she looks forward to the challenge of caring for a growing parish of 22,000 people, she said, “I’m excited as well as daunted by God’s call to North Swindon. The call to something new came out of the blue, but I believe it right to respond to this challenge. I hope the fruits of this venture will be of benefit, not just to the local people, but the wider diocese and Church as well.”

As Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight for five years, Caroline has been one of the Bishop of Portsmouth’s senior colleagues, responsible for supporting, encouraging and resourcing clergy and parishes on the island.

Moving back to Taw Hill The role of Transition Minister is a time-limited post of three years Following completion of the major which involves working with the extension at St Francis, St Andrew’s congregation and others in North Church is planning to start 10am Swindon - a retired priest with services on 11 and 18 September development and training skills, a and thereafter on the second and newly appointed schools and com- third Sunday mornings of the month. munity worker and the headteacher For details of services and to enquire at St Francis Church of England about mid-week groups, baptisms, Primary School, Taw Hill - to help weddings and funerals, call the the community respond to the chal- church office on 702715. lenges of rapid growth. www.nschurch.org.uk

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Every Tuesday in August (2011)

FREE bottle of House Wine for party booking 10 people peaple or above.

For booking please call:

01793 877888

Address: Pepperbox Hill Meadway Peatmoor West Swindon SWINDON SN5 5YZ

Opening Times & Prices Lunch

Monday – Saturday 12noon - 3pm

£5.95

Dinner

Monday – Saturday 5.30pm - 11.30pm

£9.95

Allday Sunday

12noon - 11pm

£9.95

Others Information:

* Children under 1.4m / 4’7” Eat for half price * The Management reserves the right to make changes without prior notice.

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