December 1988 Swindon Link

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PUTTING PEOPLE IN TOUCH IN WEST SWINDON

Bringing the community together No. 81 • December 1988

Estate Nationwide Anglia Agents

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3

1/Cd113 PUTTING PEOPLE IN TOUCH

IN WEST SWINDON

A message from the Mayor of Thamesdown, Councillor Jim Cordon

Councillor Jim Cordon at the topping out ceremony at West Swindon Tennis Centre on Delta Business Park on 24th October.

The Link Published by West Swindon Publications 13 Castle Dore Freshbrook, Swindon.

Tel: (0793) 872282 Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Advertising Sales: Christine Brodie Tel: (0793) 814485 dApple Macintosh design, layout & lasersetting

by IMacOgle.

Printed by Western Webb, Bristol.

Published on the Wednesday closest to the first of the month. Copy date: 12th of the preceding month.

"The Link was first published in December 1978 exclusively for the West Swindon community. It is completelyindependent of Link Centre and, in fact, won the competition to nam the leisure centre in 1984."

Contents 3,4,5,6,8 10 years on Toothill 10 12 Frshbrook & Gange Par West Swindon Centre 13 14 Westlea 16 Shaw Arts Scene 18 19 Insurance Matters At Your Library 20 For Women 21 Day In the Life 22 Recreation 23 Education Matters 24 A Christmas Story 25 26 Church at Christmas 27,28 News & Views Home & Garden 29 End Pieces 30 Reference Pages 31

I feel it only right that I, as Mayor of the Borough, should be one of the first to congratulate The Link magazine on entering its 10th year of publication.

I remember the paper starting up as a small newsheet at the outset of the Western Expansion of the Borough.

Since then, not only has its circulation grown to 10,000 monthly, but its importance to the area it serves has grown with it. So often we see a local magazine grow in circulation, but its relevance and influence sadly diminishes as it becomes more and more out of touch.

Precisely the opposite is true of The Link. Its influence in forging a community spirit in the area is immeasurable, but this must have far exceeded all expectation. It keeps residents up to date with all the local news and views in a way that no other publication could. Despite increasing circulation areas it remains fresh in its approach and interesting reading for all.

My sincere thanks to all those involved in this magazine, both publishers and contributors. I hope The Link will continue to go from strength to strength in the future.

Taylor Woodrow Property Company, developers of Delta Office Park, congratulate 'The Link' on its tenth anniversary.

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Here's to the next ten years!

Delta Marketing Office, Delta 800, Delta Business Park, Great Western Way, Swindon Telephone 0793 511504.

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Seasons Greetings With all the drum banging and flag waving with regard to the tenth anniversary of The Link, we must not forget to wish all of you, our readers A Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous, community minded New Year.

Next month we will bring you details of West Swindon's multi-screen cinema and 10 pin bowling alley complex.

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4

Looking back and thinking ahead

by Roger Ogle, Publisher/Editor During the last ten years The Link has changed quite dramatically in appearance but little in the thrust of its content.

Strictly speaking we are celebrating the tenth year of a title which has become regarded as the best way of finding out what is going on in West Swindon.

Put another way, the name represents a certain kind of 'glue' which tries to keep the idea of 'community' alive and dynamic, to sustain the idea of communal values in a society which is placing such a view under ever-increasing pressure.

Ten years ago Geoff Richmond from Toothill put together an 18 page newsletter and with his wife Kathy, loaded up a pram with their first child and the publication and distributed it to the 700 houses of the 'western expansion' as the area was then known.

By the second edition the newspaper was called the Toothill Link, a name put forward by Malcolm Patrick, a 12 year old from Luddesdown Road. Toothill' was later dropped in recognition of the other 'villages' in the west.

The Link was published every six weeks as an 8 page newsletter for eight years. At first each copy had to be stapled by hand!

Every year one thousand copies were added to its circulation and along the way we won the competition to name West Swindon's leisure centre, something we never miss a chance to point out.

A small group of volunteers, coordinated by myself, typed and pasted together the newsletter.

Apart from financial backing for the first two editions from Thamesdown Borough Council

Community Development and the Hambro Life staff charity (now Allied Dunbar), The Link has always been self supporting from advertising and has always been distributed to every house free of charge.

By the end of 1986, the newsletter had collapsed. The content did not satisfy readers spread across four quite separate 'village' areas. There was so much more it could cover, and the small army of distribution volunteers (about 150 people) was diminishing rapidly.

The magazine was launched in April 1987, retaining the name and the objectives of the newsletter. Our mission is to inform people in our new community about the good things happening, to point out where improvements can be made and to give local groups the outlet they need to publicise their activities.

To a great extent we are being successful in doing this though we could still do more, by, for instance, better coverage of council decisions affecting the area, a regular sports page, more features.

However, a critical issue is that wider coverage of local matters has to be balanced against advertising content. Although, our objectives and the quality of content are very different, The Link is still in competition with the mass circulation weeklies for the advertisingbudgets of local businesses.

We should acknowledge their support. So long as The Link is attractive to them we can continue to provide the people of West Swindon with the information they require, to build upon all the good things that have happened in their community.

Providing what a community needs

by Councillor Tony Huzzey, Jpader of Thamesdown Borough Council When one is talking to Senior has provided leisure and social Citizens, a subject frequently re- facilities based on community ferred to is the passing of estab- participation, and has introduced lished neighbourhoods and the customer participation in develcommunity spirit associated with oping and controlling those fathem. cilities to encourage and achieve It is within the nature of old active involvement by the compeople to look back to past expe- munity we serve. riences, but it is the aim of the In following this path, particuBorough Council to look forward. larly in areas like the Western That looking forward led, some Development, the establishment thirty years ago, to the decision to of a community spirit among expand the town of Swindon and people from different geographicreate a whole series of new cal and economic backgrounds is communities. Steps were and emerging. 'The Link' magazine is continue to be taken to encour- playing a very important and age those communities to become constructive role in this field. Its the type of neighbourhood so attention to local news and events fondly remembered by the old is, I believe, second to none. people.

On behalf of the Council I It is only byliving inclose asso- should like to wish 'The Link' and ciation, through school, work, the Western Development area leisure and social activities, in an all the best for the next ten years, environment which allows and look forward to the day when people room to breathe, that such old people who will have been neighbourhoods and communi- born in the area happily recall the ties can develop. To achieve these neighbourliness and community objectives the Borough Council spirit prevalent in their youth.

Congratulations from Swindon M.P. Simon Coombs I am delighted to have this opportunity of writing a few words to mark the 10th anniversary of The Link in West Swindon. I have no doubt that the magazine will go from strength to strength and I hope to have the opportunity of offering congratulations on future anniversaries.

West Swindon is a remarkable place and its inhabitants have much to be proud of. The challenge of a rapidly expanding population, with facilities which are hard pressed to keep up, has called for a special kind of pioneering spirit, not to mention a great deal of forbearance at times.

The population of West Swindon is still growing at undiminished pace as the frontier pushes north

towards Woodhall and Moredon.

In this atmosphere of constant change and expansion, it is not easy to develop and maintain a feeling of community - particularly in view of the rapid turnover of home ownership in some parts of the area. The Link has developed from humble beginnings into a professional and well respected source of news and views for all those who hope to see West Swindon develop as a place where people can enjoy life to the full.

WESTERN WEB OFFSET PRINTERS LTDMember of the Dryden Group.

wish continued success to Link Magazine on its'xlOth Anniversary and Merry Christmas to all its Readers UNIT 0, ARNOS CASTLE TRADING ESTATE, JUNCTION ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL 854 31-N Telephone: 0272 773616. Fax: 0272 716086

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New technology makes The Link possible The Link is quite unusual. We cannot be certain, but there seem to be very few publications of its kind in this country; we have tried to find them, but without much success. However, with the kind of computer equipment now available, it is quite possible similar community based magazines will emerge.

The communications revolution taking place in the late 1980s is by no means restricted to the activities of media moguls in what used to be Fleet Street, satellite television or the endeavours of Mr. Eddie Shah to launch national newspapers.

Indeed it is Mr. Shah who prediets an increase in publications with much lower circulations entering the market over the next few years. The Link magazine could be counted as an example of developing a means of communicating with people living in a more specific neighbourhood.

As a newsletter, The Link was typed and the bits of paper were stuck down in the appropriate places. When the magazine was launched in April 1987, the text was typeset but everything still had to be glued into position, alaborious, restrictive and time

'Tools of The Link '- Apple Macintosh computer running Aldus Pagemaker software. On the right, Apple laserwriter printer. consuming method.

For the last six months The Link has been electronically designed, typeset and prepared for printing, quite literally in a front room in West Swindon, using what is known within the computer world as Desk Top Publishing (DTP).

This application of computers was only invented three years ago and has become an enormous growth area as it provides a low cost solution to designing, type-

Link Mag. gets support for pushing community spirit A survey of two hundred homes across West Swindon taken in September shows massive support for your local magazine.

The study was undertaken by Caroline Martin who has just launched Stratton Outlook, a community based magazine for people living in Stratton St. Margaret.

Of the 200 houses visited, 199 occupants said they received it.

158 said they received it monthly, 8 said fortnightly, 10 weekly and 23 did not know, had no idea or thought it came quarterly.

187 people said The Link is informative, 3 found it boring, 7 thought it entertaining and 2 could not say. In general many people said how much they enjoyed TheLinkand some said they eagerly await its arrival.

Forty people said they like all of its content, 80 liked the news, 36 liked the events, 40 the services and 3 said they did not like anything.

As far as wanting to see information which is not in The Link, 178 said they did not want any-

thing added. The other 21 would like to see a range of items including: • less parent & toddler groups, more for older people; • more about pre-school groups; • fashions, knitting patterns, recipes; • a sports page with reports on local teams; • a sale and wants spot; • less repetition of the same things like the majorettes for example; • more church notices; • more cover of what is going on at the Link Centre; • more mention of Eastleaze; • an updated map of West Swindon.

Mrs. Martin commented that the overwhelming impression she received from interviewing people across West Swindon was sense of belonging and the terrific community spirit that The Link seems to engender.

What's your resolution?

The Link wants to know what New year's resolution readers are going to make and we want to follow you through the year.

Ring 872282 and declare yourself. }

setting and laying out high quality publications for businesses and newspapers.

Discerning readers will have noticed the little I in the credits on page 3 to denote that The Link is created on an Apple Macintosh computer, an extremely powerful machine able to handle text, graphic design and page layout.

Whilst there has been a marginal saving in the time it takes to create The Link, the benefit of DTP is in the control of production that

it gives the publisher and the ease of making last minute changes before printing.

Of course, a computer that is easy to use does not necessarily make for a good or a viable publication. It requires a great deal of commitment to bring it out regularly and the publisher has to have a market in which to work, either by selling the publication or by convincing advertisers that it will be well read if it is distributed free.

The Link succeeds because it serves a specific community with considerable spending power.

Businesses advertise in it because they know people want to find out what is going on, close to where they live and they will read informative locally based news and information.

Desk Top Publishing now offers the opportunity for more individuals or groups to start up magazines. Having said we have not come across others like The Link, as we celebrate our tenth year, we are glad to have helped launch Stratton Outlook on the eastern side of Swindon. Perhaps this is the start of a new era of community publishing which new technology affords.

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J&1I3 PUTTING PEOPLE IN TOUCH

6

IN WEST SWINDON

I imaine some people may be surprised that The Link is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

I know that some of my staff have expressed amazement that the years seem to have flown by.

In fact several of them have been involved in the 'western development' ever since the very first plans were drawn up and know the area well. Yet they read The Link with avid interest to get a 'feel' for what kind of community it is turning out to be. The Link is certainly the best way to find out what is going on.

I first came to know West Swindon in 1977, visiting friends who had moved out from central Swindon. The memory of mud and bulldozers is still vivid! I

Playing an important part Jamie Robertson, Director of Economic and Social Development at Thamesdown Borough Council reflects on the contribution of his department to the growth of West Swindon. little imagined that a decade later in just 12 years, West Swindon I would be heading up the devel- has grown from farmland to a opment side of the Borough large, vibrant community of over 25,000 people living in nearly Council.

The Economic and Social De- 9,500 dwellings, the magnitude velopment Group has several of the development is very clear.

I would argue that the various arms spanning the physical development of Swindon and its planning, engineering and development sections of the Council development as a community.

The Project Management Divi- have done a good job within the sion has a coordinating role be- constraints placed upon us b otween council departments so factors such as Government policy, land ownership, financial that land is developed in a rea- icy, sonably smooth and efficient resources and so on. fashion. When you consider that

Link Centre and enabling people to campaign for better facilities or provision.

Community Development has also had the task of establishing community centres at Toothill and Freshbrook with local people, and the management of social halls in Toothill (2), Freshbrook, Westlea, Upper Shaw and Shaw Village Centre, where hopefully there will be, before long, a community centre.

Although the first people moved to the western expansion over twelve years ago, the development of West Swindon will continue for at least another four years. Another 2,000 houses have yet to be built and whilst parts

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Shaw Village Centre - one of several schemes where Thamesdown Borough Council has worked in partnership with private sector developers

The Property Services Division has handled negotiations on all of the land in West Swindon which the Council has desposed of for private house building. It also manages the Council's industrial and commercial property portfolio, including its interests in Hillmead, Westmead, Riverniead, Blagrove and Delta Business Park.

Swindon Enterprise, part of the Employment Development Division, has the responsibility of 'selling Swindon' to business.

Because of its location, the range of housing and the quality of life that the Council has sought to develop for the people living here, We have been very successful in attracting new companies in addition to the rapid expansion of many of the already established firms.

Perhaps the part of the 'ES&D Group' that most people have contact with is the Community Development Division.

Over the last ten years the west team has grown from one Community Development Officer to six full and part-time staff engaged in a variety of community work activities. These range from visiting new arrivals to the area, helping groups of people start new community groups in response to needs or interests, through to managing part of the

are very settled there are areas like Sparcells, in the very north of the area, which are similar to Toothill when the first people moved in. Although shops and schools are within reach if you have a car, many of the original pioneers would recognise the lack of facilities, the sea of mud from building works and the general sense of isolation.

Nevertheless, the most important factor in new development areas such as West Swindon is the people who live there.

In terms of the development of a community it is still very early days. The commitment and energy put in by you, the residents, is impressive in spite of many pressures which work against the formation of strong bonds between people working together, collectively, to improve the quality of their lives and their environment.

The Council, despite the well known and continuing financial difficulties it faces, is endeavouring to play its part in that process of building a living, vibrant community.

I hope The Link magazine will continue to provide the vital communication link - people to people - which will prove invaluable to all those presently living in West Swindon and all those yet to arrive.

We're here to help the community of West Swindon.

Project Management, Property Services, Employment Development and Community Development are the four divisions that make up the Economic and Social Development Group. Each continues to play a vital role in the growth and development of West Swindon.

So it is with great pleasure that the E & S D Group congratulates the Link Magazine on its 10th anniversary and the invaluable service it is performing in the community If you think we can help, phone us on Swindon 26161.

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Thamesdown

'Y&113 PUTTING PEOPLE IN TOUCH 4_of IN WEST SWINDON

8 Nineteen eighty-nine will see a battle of the skies as satellite television broadcasts direct to householders becomes a reality.

The claims, propaganda and general barrage of media coverage about satellite TV is already fierce. It will get ever more venomous as satellite owners, equip-

Cable has the connections ment manufacturers and financial backers try to persuade consumers that a satellite dish on the roof will be to their advantage.

Many people are going to be duped by the media hype and will find the costs more than they

Taking to the air In just five months the air waves around Swindon will be filled with the local reports and mellow music of BBC Wiltshire Sound, the new radio station covering this area.

The station goes on air on April 4th next year, but only after months of preparation. Nearly 4,000 households throughout the county have been taking part in a survey by filling out questionnaires and discussing their expectations of a local radio station with BBC staff.

The information provided by potential listeners will be invaluable in planning the station output according to Wiltshire Sound station manager Tony Talmage.

"A sizeable cross-section of the population have told us what they expect from us. We know, for instance, that there is a huge appetite for in-depth local news

and challenging speech programmes. And we now have a far better idea of what kind of music people like.

"One thing stood out more than anything else older listeners, in particular, are fed up with raucous pop. This is one thing you will be confident of not hearing on Wiltshire Sound."

The Link magazine is looking forward to the opening of the new radio station. As West Swindon is such an active community, groups will have another outlet for publicising their events, whilst no doubt many of the issues written about in The Link will be picked up for discussion on air.

Tony Talmage confirmed that there will be an useful link-up.

"Obviously The Link magazine will offer us a valuable source of information about events and activities in West Swindon.

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reckoned. The two systems now being marketed will be incompatible. The 'bargain price' of £199 for a receiving dish may not include the decoders to unscramble channels. These will have to be rented and will add to the overall outlay. For £200, read £400 or £500!

However the media revolution that will take place over the next few years, through the development of satellite services and the big shake-up the Government proposes for broadcasting in general, will see cable television come into its own.

In Swindon, cable television has had a chequered history.

Residents in West Swindon protested vigourously when Thorn EMI started to rip up pavements to lay the cables in 1984. The subsequent sale of Swindon Cable to British Telecoms has produced big changes according to Dave Richards, promotions manager with the company. "They were guilty of not communicating with residents. There was excitement about being the first cable franchise to be launched in Great Britain, but there was a failure to excite the market.

"Our cable laying operation and marketing in other parts of

Swindon has been different and much more successful. We have not been promoting ourselves heavily in the west, but there is still resentment about what was done to the environment.

"The scars of cable laying have faded and blended inflow. Whilst the early experience was a lost opportunity, the rapid changes taking place in television will allow us to regain ground and really demonstrate the benefits of cable."

Swindon Cable is looking forward to the large number and wide range of TV channels proposed, because they will be ready to supply them all to their customers. At present, for £1.60 a week, cable supplies the four main channels plus two out of area ITV channels plus several entertainment, music, sport, children's, and foreign language channels. For additional subsciptions, a variety of film, music and news channels can be received on an 'a la carte' basis, even for just a month if required. National and local radio stations can also be received via the cable.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, West Swindon residents who have cable outside their homes could increase the range of viewing choice enormously by connecting up.

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10)

Management and staff of PHH based at West Swindon would like to take this opportunity to wish West Swindon's own magazine a very happy first decade in publishing.

This is a wonderful achievement for a publication that started out as an information sheet but has grown alongside the considerable expansion in the area.

PHH - A YEAR AT WEST SWINDON In January 1989, we will be celebrating our own anniversary as it will then be a year since 600 staff moved into the prestigious PHH Centre at Windmill Hill.

PHH arrived in Swindon in 1980 and is now one of the town's largest employers. Unprecendented growth has resulted in major expansion and the upward trend is already set for the 90's. Leaders in Fleet Management, Employee Relocation and Property Services, PHH Europe has gone from strength to strength, consolidating its position at the forefront of its field of operations.

In fact, the future offers further success on every front for PHH.

LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITY FOR 1989?

There are always opportunities within a large organisation and PHH is no exception. If you have a minimum of 1 year's work experience or wanting to return to work after a break, there could be an opening for you.

0

If you would like to know more about working for PHH why not ring the Personnel Department on Swindon (0793) 886055 (24 hours).

PHH MANAGEMENT AND STAFF WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL READERS OF THE LINK MAGAZINE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

PHIl EUROPE

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TOOTHILL

A Christmas Offer from\ Quick Red Printers

Community centre goes up in f ames

100 sheets A5 Conqueror stationary overprinted to your requirements with 50 matching envelopes for £16.96.

Give a distinctive Christmas present with Quick Reds help.

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THE FIZ 81 WIZ CHILDREN'S DISCO SWINDON 872926

The Toothill Hut as a shop - circa. 1978 Efforts to preserve one of West investigation of why council offiSwindon's oldest buildings as a cers had let the hut detriorate by listed building came to an end the Performance Review Comwhen it was burnt to the ground mittee, Toothill's temporary on 4th November in a re-enact- community centre on Dunwich ment of a failed seventeenth cen- Drive was finally demolished and tury plot to destroy the Houses of removed to Toothill Farm for the annual bonfire night celebration Parliament.

Following a decision by Th- to be reconstructed as a mock amesdown Borough Council's parliament building.

Community Planning CommitAfter nearly 15 years service tee to remove it and subsequent variously as a builders site hut, a

RALPH PALMER PHARMACY Ralph Palmer, M.P. S., Dispensing Chemist 3, Deerhurst Way, Toothill Hours ofOpening: Mon—Fri. 9a.m. - 1p.m.; 2p.m. —6p.m.

Sat. 9a.m. - 12 noon Telephone: 512063

Toothill Chinese Kitchen wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We will be closed between 24th December and 30th December.

Open again on New Year's Eve from 12 noon.

We're open New Years Day from 6pm Hours of Business Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

6.00 11.30pm Closed all day 12- 1.45pm 12-1.45pm 12- 145pm 12- 2.00pm

5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

- 1130pm - 1130pm -11.30pm - 12.00pm - 12.00pm

Telephone: 487055

The intrepid builders led by local councillors Tony Free and Ricky Midwinterwho turned the Toothill Hut into the replica of Parliament - November2nd

shop, venue for church services, Sunday school, community centre, sculpture workshop and after school centre for children, a piece of West Swindon's recent history went up in a glorious pyre witnessed by hundreds of children and their parents.

Angry parents carry on fight for after school club Twenty-five parents and children ignored the West Swindon fireworks display on 8th November to carry on their fight to get the Toothill After School club reopened.

For the third time, they turned out to call for financial backing at a major Thamesdown Arts and Recreation Committee.

Before they went to the meeting, the parents, children and helpers had a beans on toast party entertained by clowns who later led them them, waving banners and placards, into yet another confrontation with councillors on the Recreation sub-committee.

The meeting, held in a hot, uncomfortable meeting room, was very confusing with the demand for money to be put into the after school club being mixed up with an associated bid to get a 'Play Development Officer' appointed in West Swindon.

The parents had the chance to

explain why the after school club should be funded. However, the councillors did not give their backing to the proposals.

An angry parent, Diane Stuckey from Stansfield Close, was at the end of her tether after the meeting. "We were told at the last sub-committee meeting at the Link Centre that a decision would be made, but the councillors were just stalling. The whole meeting was very confusing and they were very evasive.

"I am very angry by the way we are being treated. Once again we were left to last. They just carried on their meeting as the room got hotter and the children became more fed up. We have a point of view but those councillors were quite intimidating. One moment they were ignoring what we had to say, the next they were misinterpreting it. We're going to battle on. Why should we be pushed aside?"

Bargains

OAPs desperate

Tooth ill's Thrift Shop hasa nice line In good-as-new clothes plus toys and small electrical Items.

The shop is open at Toothill Community Centre on Friday between 10.30a.m. and 1p.m.

Tea and coffee is also available.

For sellers, all clothes are sold on a commission basis The Thrift Shop will be close on 16th December and will reopen on 6th January.

Sixty pensioners who regularly attend the luncheon club in Toothill Community Centre have been going without their weekly outing and hot meal because nobody has come forward to run it.

A modest payment Is made to the club organiser and there is a team of volunteers to help out.

The Community Centre Is desperate to hear of anybody who can help out. Ring 614492.

VISIT YOUR NEW GATEWAY SUPERSTORE AND YOU'LL REALLY SEE SOME CHANGE.

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FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Grange Park Primary School — Permanent Facechoice Chemist

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mobiles or it larger school?

All concerned parents and Jut ure parents living in or moving to Grange Park are Invited to apubUc meeting to discuss this question.

Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 A selection of high class Ladies Perfumes and Mens Aftershaves * Aramis, Givenchy, Opium, Christian Dior, Anais Anais * Great Christmas Gifts For Him and For Her

Greendown Community School Monday 5th December, 7.30p.m.

The Chair of WiltshIre County Council Education and Schools sub-Committees have been InvIleiL

Come And Air Your Views

Parents living in or moving to Grange Park have the chance to voice their opinion on whether the area will have a primary school large enough to cater for all the children predicted to live in the area,at a public meeting on Monday 5th December.

In last months Link parent Eileen Sawyer wrote that Grange Park's school, to be opened in 1990 off Hay Lane, could easily be 60 places short in each year.

This means mobile classrooms would be a permanent fixture soon after the school opens.

Mrs. Sawyer, who has been working with councillor Bob Pixton to discover the facts, says that a school which is a realistic and adequate size for the growing population is required.

Mobile classrooms never have all the facilities and space to make a child's education as fulfillingas it could be.

The chairs of the Education and the Schools sub-committees have been invited to the meeting to discuss the needs of Grange Park children. Parents with pre-school children likely to attend the school after 1990 should attend.

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Stocking Fidzrsftom 4.9p Gift Sets from 99p Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm; 2.15pm - 7pm Saturday 9am - 12.30pm

10 A4Zaktf

Congratulations from the Freshbrook Takeaway Freshbrook Village Centre Specialising in Chinese Hot Meals and Fish & Chips

Tel: 873178 ©_ iL How

Christmas Dance at Freshbrook Community Centre, Christmas Eve, 7p.m. to 1145p.m.

Live band, disco and a visit from Father Christmas for the under 14s.

Tickets from the centre.

Official Opening

of

Opening Times Sunday closed Monday 5.30pm - 10.45pm Tues - Sat 12noon - 1.30pm; 5.30pm - 10.45pm

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Glyn Rutherford is organising a scheme for the roads off Hampton Drive. Residents interested in finding out more are invited to a meeting at Greendowri on 12th December, 7.30p.m or call 876164

Freshbrook's Windmill Court Elderly People's Group Dwelling was officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire Colonel Sir Hugh Brassey, KCVO, OBE, MC, on 17th November.

Although the first residents arrived in October 1986, completion of asecond phase in April 1988 saw a full house of 85 people.

The Court consists of 64 selfcontained flats for the elderly, twenty of which are provided for the frail elderly who require more care and attention.

Windmill Court is managed by the James Butcher Housing Association which employs 19 people, many living in West Swindon, to care for the elderly residents.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Colonel Sir Hugh Brassey with the vice-chair of the James Butcher Housing Association in front a plaque unveiled to mark the official opening of Windmill Court.

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G. Park Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Is it big enough?

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WEST SWINDON CENTRE

Opening up on a New-Look Gateway The new-look Gateway superstore in the West Swindon Centre was recently unveiled after an extensive six million pound refurbishment programme.

Following nine months of major improvements the 45,000 plus customers that pass through the tills each week are already noticing the difference.

Store manager, Les Lloyd, comments, "We looked at all aspects of the store and have made a remarkable change in the ranges we now stock. A complete customer care package has been introduced and we are committed to high level of customer service.

"The refit itself has completely modernised the store and brought it bang up to date to give Swindon a top quality superstore. I'd like to say a big thank you to all our shoppers who have stuck with us during the refit. I'm sure they will enjoy shopping in our new-look store," he adds.

Over 70 local jobs have been created by the massive refit which is part of an ongoing programme by the Gateway Corporation to update its nationwide store network.

A wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered daily to the superstore and a new salad chiller means that the top of the crop is kept in peak condition throughout the day.

On the non-food side all the store's existing ranges have been expanded and new ones introduced. There have also been huge

range extensions to the stationasy and home furnishings departments and there are new toy and DIY departments.

The electrical department has everything from toasters to microwaves with interest free credit on offer.

With staff spruced up in Gateway uniform, an award-winning training scheme has been introduced to ensure the customers

carry out service to the free 900 space car park is also available on request.

For families with toddlers the popular creche area has been revamped in the form of a playbus. Parents can shop in peace and have a bite to eat in the licensed restaurant, knowing that their children are in good hands.

All in all Les Lloyd and his 550 strong team are making sure that

F7 Styling at Home

TEL: 870776 DUNCUN SELF DRIVE HIRE Competitive Rates Vans - Lutons -Estates Cars & Mini Bus Crushed by popularity. England football manager Bobby Robson signed a large number of autographs for fans at the Gateway relaunch on 22nd November

always comes first.

All 33 tills are equipped with bar coded scanning units and the store now has two express tills for 10 items or less and two extrawide checkouts for disabled people. All this adds up to a quicker, more efficient service for shoppers.

At peak shopping times bag packers are on hand to speed up the passage through the tills. A

traditional courtesyand real service are part and parcel of shopping in West Swindon's new-look Gateway. "'Y.

Tel: 822193

Open Daily 9am - 6pm Sundays Slam - 1pm .

.....

'Raymond Stansfield DECORATOR with over 30 years experience.

:

Welephant Prize Winners Over 1,000 entries were received in the grand West Swindon Centre Welephant colouring competition run during Fire Safety Week at the end of October. Pictured beloware the five winners, all of whom won a Welephant crockery set.

For Fiona Marsh of Nythe, the overall winner, also won an extra special prize, a ride in the Santa Helicopter which delivered Santa to his grotto at the West Swindon Centre on 30th November.

272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret Swindon

Craftsman in Paint and Decor i

SPECIALIST in Paperhanging, Graining, Marble, and Decorative Effects & Finishes.

Telephone (0793)874299

From left to right, Robert Jack from Old Town, Mark Fordham -Nythe, Sarah Chivers - West lea, Fiona Marsh and Welephant, Anthony Pile Toot hill, James Travers - Liden.

THE COTSWOLD COLLECTION Probably the best collection of QUALITY PINE FURNITURE in the West Country, at the most competitive prices. Come and see for yourself. Most items are immediately from stock.

Credit terms available.

33 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 511898 Open Mon—Sat 9.30 am. —5.30 p.m.

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14 WESTLEA Adult help Westlea Another wanted for Neighbours Scouts & Cubs group The lst Westlea Scout Group meet on Tuesdays (Scouts) and Wednesday (Cubs) in the Community Room, Westlea School, Langstone Way. They require adults who would be prepared to help with the runfling of the Cubs or Scouts. No previous experience is necessary as training will be given.

If you are interested in helping, contact Terry Baker (Group Scout Leader) on 872640.

Bangers & Mash buy out Westlea Cubs and Scouts were ÂŁ200 better off after the West Swindon Centre annual aerial fireworks display on 8th November for doing nothing.

They have always provided warming refreshments for the crowds waiting for the fireworks since the event started. This year the Gateway Superstore wanted to promote their restaurant and a deal was struck so that hungry firework watchers could have a low cost bangers and mash dinner in the restaurant.

Spectacular

Westlea's 'Neighbours' Group next meets on 8th December and will hear a talk on "Becoming A Childminder."

Legally, anybody who looks after other people's children in their own home for financial reward, must be registered with the local Social Services Department. The meeting will be of use to anybody who is, or is thinking about, looking after children as well as parents who might be considering placing their offspring with a childminder.

The Neighbours group has been holding a series of talks on a range of subjects, from amusing childen on a wet afternoon to setting up a Credit Union.

The group has become a friendly place to meet other people living in Westlea and it welcomes newcomers. They are planning a Christmas Party on 15th December, so get in there now to find out what is going on.

Neighbours meet on Thursdays in the Community Room at Westlea School from 1.30p.m.

Don't forget, the next meting The West Swindon annual aerial fireworks display again attracted huge crowds to view the show. Its a pity our photograph cannot be in glorious colour. takes place on 8th November.

YOU'LL FIND IT ALL AT WEST SWINDON CENTRE PLUS GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS IN THE CHRISTMAS GROTTO

lithe prospect of Christmas shopping fills you with dread, here are some tidings of comfort and joy.

The West Swindon Centre has shops bursting with everything you need. Easy car parking is nearby and even at this, the busiest time of the year, you'll receive courteous and prompt attention everywhere.

So forget the footache and heartache of traipsing all over town for your provisions and presents. Come along to West Swindon and do some Happy Christmas Shopping.

Open from 8.30 am to 8.00 pm Monday -Thursday / 8.30am to 9.00 pm Friday 830am to 7.00 pm Saturday / Closed Sundays

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With 3,200 Na West branches, you've never been so close to a mortgage.

Attractive, flexible, individually designed, purpose built, convenient mortgages. More adjectives available on request.

Ideal for Large Family. Fully flexible mortgages, viewing anytime. Perfect for first time buyers or retirement home.

National Westminster Bank

Delightfully situated. Mortgages within easy reach of this ever popular High Street. All amenities and facilities. Double glazing, fitted carpets and little pens on chains.

Quick Sale. An indication of mortgage offer immediately. Chain of over 3,000 waiting.

Usually only 48 hours from firm offer.

Close to Pavement. Spacious purpose built property offering spacious purpose built mortgages. Located in a well sought-after residential semi rural area with commanding views of the fish shop.

A delightful situation. Plentiful mortgages with ample scope for imaginative conversions, enchanting and colourful leaflet, must be seen.

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The Action Bank

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APPI,cants must flaoe n000flod the age Of malosty 00011ity and flso,ancO,ego,ed Loans ore subject to status and cond,tjoos Written c,ed,t d.ta,Is eseilable f,om Nat,Onal Westm!flste, Bank PLC, 41 Lotflbury, London EC2P 2BP Mambe, of IMRO For details of brescfles opened on Saturday. ask at you, local breOCfl

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SHAW Waiting for the church SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE RAMLEAZE DRIVE SHAW TEL: 886076

G IK DISPENSING

(Miss D. Collet, B. Pharm.)

N.H.S. DISPENSING PREGNANCY TESTING PATIENT ADVICE & COUNSELLING

The poem below was written by a member of an Open University group staying at the Lower Shaw Farm Centre in November surprised by the construction of a new church.

Church Building Site on Sunday Prayer has not started yet but ladders and cement are strewn with bricks and timber, tiles and windowframes stacked where the aisle will be.

No windows have been glazed, nor doorway closed or space for singing praises, and on this day of rest the builders leave a silence in this not yet consecrated shell.

Adrian Green Shaw, 6th November 1988. • Shaw Church is expected to be ready for use by mid-January. A dedication ceremony is planned for Saturday 4th March.

Association take up lane problem

NEW LATE OPENING TIMES Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.00a.m. to 6.30p.m.

Thursday 9.00a.m. to 5.30p.m.

Saturday 9.00a.m. to 5.00p.m.

Closed for Lunch 1.00p.m. to 2.00p.m.

The west side of Old Shaw Lane is a thorough mess according to residents living in the lane. They expressed their views forcefully at the November meeting of the Shaw Residents' Association.

The road is a quagmire from builders traffic and construction providing services to the Ronking site according to Ingrid Hewson.

"Its very dangerous. The workers park on the verge and women and children have to walk in the road. There's plenty of on-site parking."

The Association agreed to write to Thamesdown Council for some action.

The next meeting of Shaw Residents' Association takes place in Shaw Church on Old Shaw Lane (west) at 745p.m. on Tuesday 10th January. Cohn Greene, chair of the association can be contacted on 874272.

MD LfISURt ([Us 6fte th8r //aee

HAVE YOU GOT 4 STAR QUALITIES? If so, why not consider joining the team at Blunsdon House Hotel. Continued expansion means that there are usually a number of vacancies for days, evenings and weekends, both full and part time.

Examples of the types of work available are: Breakfast Waiter/ess****Carverie or Ridge Restaurant Waiter/ess****Bar Staff**** Porters ****Room Assistants****Commis Chef ****Cleaner****Banqueting Staff**** Kitchen Porters Hours, Pay and Conditions vary according to the type of work you do.

We offer: Free Parking, A Pension and Life Assurance Scheme and in many of the positions you get free Uniform and Meals whilst on duty. Your own transport is necessary unless you live fairly near.

Full training is given so no previouse experience is necessary.

Why not think about it and having thought, give us a ring. We will be pleased to help in any way we can.

Contact Geoffrey Gleed or Nichola Ealding at Blunsdon House Hotel.

AA **** RAC

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For details Telephone: Swindon (0793) 721701. Blunsdon House Hotel, Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 4AD.

The Blunsdon House Staff send Christmas greetings to all readers of The Link.

Is

P izzarama at Shaw Village Centre

congratulates The Link on reaching its tenth year and thanks the magazine and its readers for the support we have enjoyed over the past 12 months.

To celebrate The Link magazine's tenth year, how would you like to win a holiday for two, valued at

ÂŁ250?

It's Simple! Just answer the following question:

"How many Pizzas have been sold by PIZZARAMA SHAW since it opened on 16th January., 1988 until 27th November, 1988?

Use the answer form below and drop it in the special box provided at Pizzarama Shaw The runner up prizes are: 2nd: Dinner for two at a local restaurant 3rd: A Gift Voucher to the value of ÂŁ25.

(Pleae note: 1. No employees of Coach Caterers are eligible to enter this competition.

2. This competition only applies to Pizzarama Shaw.)

I think Pizzarama Shaw have sold Pizzas between 16th January 1988 and 27th November 1988 Name Address

Tel. No:

P1 : zzarama

L

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18

ARTS SCENE Dick Whittington at the Wyvern Swindon 37370 Hair design at home for ladies, gents and chilren.

PeterMunro

Suppliers & Restorers of Fine Pianos

New & Secondhand Pianos, Tools & Accessories Woodwind Instruments Associated Board Music Instruments Purchased Credit Facilities (written details on request) APSLEY ARCADE, HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT Telephone: 850587

Specialists in video & TV repairs Free home estimates All work guaranteed Service from Barn - 9pm NO CALL OUT CHARGE

WYVERN THEATRE T'taNJ -P

The Wyvern Arts Trust in association with Kevin Wood

-

The Spectacular all-laughter Family Pantomime

This Christmas, the family pantomime at the Wyvern Is Dick Whittington and his Cat,' the favourite rags-to-riches story of the humble boy from Gloucestershire who, accompanied by his cat Tommy, leaves home to seek fame and fortune in London.

In London, Dick, played by Michael Groth of BBC's 'That's Life,'meets Alderman Fitzwarren whose house is plagued by rats.

Tommy the cat (local girl PollyAnn Tanner) sees off the rats, and in gratitude the Alderman lets Dickand Tommy sleep in his shop.

During the night the King Rat, Peter Denyer of BBC's 'Dear John,' steals the Alderman's gold and hides it in Dick's possessions. Finding the gold, the Alderman evicts Dick, despite prot-

Photography Exhibition of Oxford Photography, 29th November - 16th December, Arts Studio Foyer Jazz Swindon Jazz Front presents BULLITr on Friday 2nd December.

8p.m. Tickets: £4/1. Front members -3.

Rock Swindon Rock Front presents SHRINK and THE PRESIDENTS on Saturday 3rd December, 8p.m. Tickets: £2.50/2.

Film Link Arts Film Society presents THE LAST EMPEROR (15) on Thursday 8th December, 730p.m. Entance: £1.50/1.

Film Link Arts Childrens' Film Club presents ASTERIX AND CLEOPATRA (U) on Saturday 10th December, 2.30p.m. Entrance: Thp. AND A MYSTERY FILM (U) on Saturday 17th December, 2.30p.m.

A surprise full length action feature film.

Rock Swindon Rock Front presents FLEX & THE LONGMAN, HARVEY & THE RENTBOYS AND BUSINESS AS USUAL on Saturday 17th December, 8p.m. Tickets: £3/2.

Temporary Rupture - Black Theatre Cooperative

anb iz rat

16 December 1988 - 15 January_ 1989

MICHAEL GROTH F,on, GWR and

BOB HR IS IE,CAPTAIN JULIE HOBBS., 1-41no on PETER RUSSELL.. OLD,R,l,o,,r,n,,Rto GLYNN SWEET., I,RW (HE (00k H,LEXA POVAH , o Boo too

as DICK

POLLYA1N TANNER ALICE FITZWARREN WIN THE HOLIDAY OFA LIFETIME to FLORIDA COMPLIMENTS OF POUNOSTRETCHER IN CONJUNCTION WITH

The show runs from 16th December to 15th January. Book now to avoid disappointment.

What's on at Link Arts Studios

nick wb- iffingtion

MARK SEAMAN., SULTAN

estations of his innocence from the Alderman's daughter Alice (Julie Hobbs) and the cook's son Idle Jack, Andrew O'Connor from the game show 'Chain Letters.'

Before leaving London the Fairy Bow Bells appears to Tommy the Cat and tells him that Dick will one day return to London to become Lord Mayor.

Before the happy ending, they sail around the world on the good ship Lollipop' captained by Bob Harrison. They meet King Neptune, who helps them defeat King Rat, and the Sultan of Morocco (Mark Seaman) who rewards them for ridding his country of rats.

Jo Martin as Beverley and Sylvester Williams as Raymond in Temporary Rupture

Coming to Link Arts Studios on Saturday 10th December is 'reInporary Rupture,' a funny and fast moving revenge comedy performed by Balack Theatre Cooperative.

"Beverley is slowly recovering from being deserted at the alter

by Raymond. Her chain of hair salongs is doing well and her life is beginning to piece together again, when who should walk straight back, as though he'd not been gone five minutes, but Raymond. What she says, how he reacts, gives rise to some excellent bright, sharp writing and a lovely final twist." (City Limits).

This performance is a joint promotion with the Plus One Centre - Caribbean Carnival Committee. Starts 8p.m. Tickets: £3/2.

LOCAL SERVICES Insurance brokers set up shop ,,, Residents of West Swindon who need to visit an insurance broker, but find the trip into Swindon inconvenient or difficult will welcome the opening of K & K Insurance Services at the West Swindon Centre.

Under the the management of Karl Wozniak and Ken Clarke, K & K aim to provide a wide range of insurance and related services to local people. The area needs the services that K & K offer according to Karl Wozniak. "Everybody knows the increasing problem of getting into town.

Then when you arrive, there is no-where to park. With such a large population, West Swindon requires a locally based brokers office."

Broadly speaking there are two sides to K & K's service. In the area of general insurance, they have access to the best and most reputable companies for vehicle, household and commercial policies. Using computers to supply the necessary information, K & K Insurance will be able to advise on the cover required by clients.

On the the Life Assurance front, they have chosen to be tied to Legal and General Assurance.

"We deliberately chose not to be an independent operator as we would have had to be knowledge-

able about policies from well over 200 companies," explained Mr. Clarke. "Legal and General has the widest range of policies and the company has a good reputation. We feel we are able to give the best advice to clients through this connection."

K & K Insurance Services also has access to most of the important lenders in the mortgage market and are also able to arrange personnel loans for customers.

The first few weeks of operation at the West Swindon Centre have been very encouraging for Mr. Clarke. "The number of callers so far has confirmed our view that there is a need for a locally based insurance agent. We're looking forward to serving the area for many years to come."

Before you decorate As your mind turns to Christmas decorations, you might think the lounge needs a lick of paint. West Swindon decorator Philip Stone is ready to give your house that bright new look before the friends and relations visit. His prices are competitive and he can do the job at a few days notice. So before putting up the tinsel, give Philip a call on 870515.

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19

Feature Fireplaces

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For a high standard of work with references available phone now for a FREE estimate.

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20

AT YOUR LIBRARY

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Congratulations and Christmas Greetings from Linda Black, West Swindon Librarian Congratulation to The Link on reaching its tenth birthday.

At the library we are only too aware not only how much pleasure the magazine brings to local residents, but also what a vital role it has to play in keeping people informed in so many ways. We wish the magazine continued success in the years to come.

December is generally a quieter time for the library but look out for a childrens colouring competition to be organised for the school holidays. Details will be available in the library nearer the time.

Still on the subject of Christmas, please note the library will be closed on Saturday 24th December, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 26th-28th December.

At New Year the library will be open as normal.

Finally, can I take this early opportunity on behalf of all the library staff to wish our many customers an exceedingly Happy Christmas and a prosperous 1989.

series. For the millions of 'Foundation' enthusiasts, all is finally revealed!

5. Rushdie, Salman: The Satanic Verses (Viking) A winner of a section in the Whitbread Awards, Rushdie's first novel in 5 years should satisfy those who prefer a more intellectual read. Impossible to describe in a snippet, it very broadly treats the theme of cosmic good and evil. Salman Rushdie won the 1981 Booker Prize for 'Midnight's Children.'

6. Heller, Joseph: Picture This (MacMillan) More of the literary with Heller posing some eternal questions Decembers Top Ten Titles 1. Deighton, Len: Spy Hook only for those who wish to be intellectually stretched!

(Hutchinson) The first novel in the 'Hook, Line & Sinker' trilogy which has the 7. Wave Me Goodbye - Stories same intriguing characters from of the Second World War: Edited 'Game, Set & Match.' Three years by Anne Boston (Virago) 2.00 on, hero Bernard Samson pur- My personal recommendation for 12.99 sues his investigation into his the month, this marvellous col20.00 wife's defection - one perplexing lection of stories by British and 20.00 American women writers evokes scenario after another!

22.00 all the emotions of war. Taken 6.00 2. Binchy, Mave: Silver Wed- from many of the publications of 8.00 8.50 the forties, all the stories are a ding (Century) 12.00 We already have a few people wonderfully authentic portrait of 11.00 waiting for this one! A book of life during World War II 4.00 linked short stories, each sepa7.00 rate from each other but con- 8. Scott, Justin: The Cossack's nected to the central theme of a Bride (Grafton) silver wedding celebration. Each The best selling author of 'The 85.00 guest has his, or her, own secrets Shipkiller' and 'The Man who 79.95 revealed and all culminating in a loved the Normandie,' returns 21.00 climactic revealing drama. with his most powerful novel yet; 26.50 a political thriller with all the 10.00 3. Collins, Joan: Prime Time glamour of the fashion world and 12.00 all the seediness of espionage and (Century) 13.00 Joan Collins, superstar and au- murder.

20.00 thor of the best selling autobiog22.00 raphy 'Past Imperfect,' has turned 9. Harrison, Sarah: An Imper14.00 her hand to the art of fiction writ- fect Lady (MacDonald) 22.00 ing. 'Prime Time'is the story of a Only for lovers of Sarah Harri17.50 talented, beautiful and romantic son! Catherine Cookson on a 17.50 woman whose marriage is break- grand scale. ing up as her career takes her to 14.99 the heights of stardom, (well, 10 Tanner, Janet: The Hills & 15.99 what else could she write about??) The Valley (Century) 9.00 The story of a family whose des30.00 Asimov, Isaac: Prelude to tinies are played out against the 4.

15.00 background of an industrial town Foundation (Grafton) 8.00 This novel relates what happened nestling amongst the green Som8.00 in the many centuries before the erset hills - just escapism.

5.00 events told of in Asimov's first Good Reading! ' S classic novel in the Foundation

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It's always nice to be in on a celebration, and ten years of'The Link' is well worth celebrating. For many of us, newcomers to West Swindon, it is The Link posted through the door each month that gives us our first real idea of the sort of place we have moved into.

Although from the outside it can seem that the whole of West Swindon is just a conglomeration of housing estates in various stages of completion it isn't really like that at all. Before I started writing this column the editor lent me all the back-numbers of The Link. They make fascinating reading.

Talk about mighty oaks from little acorns! From a couple of dozen houses in a sea of mud to a living, vibrant, active community.

Can it really all have happened in a decade? People moving in now have buses, shops, community centres, playgroups, parks, lunchclubs. All these things have been fought for and worked at by hundreds of ordinary people, giving their time and energy for

Waiting for a centre to arrive A group of women in Sparcells have organised themselves into a playgroup committee and are hoping that a temporary community centre will soon be provided in their area.

A meeting on 18th November, attended by 15 mums, discussed the business of setting up a playgroup with Ann Farrar, Area Organiser for the Pre-School Playgroups Association and Roger Ogle, Community Development Officer from Thamesdown Council.

The group is hoping that local house builders will finance the provision of a temporary building so that their playgroup can start by Easter time. In the meantime there is a great deal of fundraising to be done to buy equipment and materials.

21

FOR WOMEN throw up buildings, take our Where there's who money and run. But maybe it's a situation that brings out the best a will in us. We have moved here from

Elizabeth Wood , pictured below, looks at The Link and our surroundings

the Milton Keynes area. There the planners have tried to think of everything a new community needs, and to a large extent the facilities have been provided even before the houses were built. The result? - a beautifully planned community with little or no community spirit.

So let's raise our glasses to the people who came to West Swindon ten years or more ago and set the community ball rolling.

Thank you for your efforts and here's to the next ten years.

STAGE CORNER & FANCY DRESS CORNER little praise and less thanks. And the process is still going on.

Talking to someone who has recently moved into Sparcells it seems that all they have there is a few dozen houses in a sea of mud!

No paths to the schools, no community centre, no playgroup...

Sounds familiar? But it won't be like that for long. Small groups of residents are already getting together to fight and plan and work and before we know it some more pieces of our community jigsaw will be in place.

It's tempting to sound off about greedy planners and builders Parents who want to find out more about the Sparcells playgroup should contact Elaine Munday on 871993 or Margaret Lewington on 876660.

Another way of finding out more is to come on board the 'Locobus' mobile meeting place for coffee. Its parked on Sparcells Drive on a Friday between 1030a.m. and noon.

Pictured below: The Sparcells mums examines a map showing the location for a temporary community centre.

Ballet, Tap Shoes & all Dance Wear

Theatrical Make Up Large selection of Adult & Childrens Fancy Dress Costumes for Hire Book your Christmas and New Year Party costumes now.

103, Faringdon Road Swindon Tel: 522729

Celebrating our 1st Christmas at Woodshaw We'd like to offer you on any Tuesday - Wednesday.

Thursday before New Years Eve, a Dulcia Vitality Perm £12.50 £10.00 Cut & Blow Dry Total £22.00 Usually £30.45 Prices to include Mousse, Conditioner & VAT

Merry Xmas & New Year to clients Old and New and thank you for your custom.

Wakkies Woodshaw Village Centre. Tel: 854653

REACH YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT AND STAY THERE WITH THE THE CAMBRIDGE DIET Call your Counsellor today: Rebecca Clifforde (Westlea) on Swindon 873201

t3olbrilftft DIET

Christmas Sale Factory Second High Chairs £18.95 Safety Barriers £13.99 Wooden Stairgates £21.95 New Toys on special offer - 10% off selected items 95a Manchester Road, Swindon. Tel: 619562

Let us prepare you for your Christmas Parties * Facials * Manicures * * Slimming Treatment * Ear piercing * Super Fast Tan Sunbed Book a course & receive 10% off a beauty treatment.

The perfect Gift - Christmas vouchers Late night opening.

Please ring or call in and see Chris for more details.

3 Potters Walk (High Street), Wootton Bassett Tel: Swindon 855026

DAY IN THE LIFE

22 I hate decorating so it is a relief that it's now time to get ready for evening shift.

It's 15.00 hours and time to don my uniform; check the creases - I'll get away with them tonight; a quick polish of the boots and off I go (start time is 16.00 hours but we always get in early for briefing).

It's 16.10 hours, briefing over and out to my patch. I use the bus - it gives me a chance to read through my enquiries and chat to some children on the way.

First call is in King Henry Drive to speak to a lady who had frightened off two prowlers the previous night whilst running around the house with no clothes on. I hasten to point out that! don't mean the sight of the lady scared them off. Reassurance is given, as the lady's main fear is that they may return again. The address is not far from my home and I promise to visit the area each night whilst I'm on evening shifts, on my way home. I suggest in passing that it may be a good idea to draw the curtains after dark.

A quick visit to Shaw Village Centre just to check all is well. A chat to two motorcyclists about their manner of riding and on reaching a mutual understanding I'm on my way.

From there I make my way through to Nine Elms. I have an enquiry for the Metropolitan Police about a traffic accident and they request that I interview a resident as the offending driver. Paperwork! the bain of the police. I sit down and start to interview the person. Every question and answer has to be written down. I'm required to advise the person that they are entitled to speak with a solicitor before going further with the interview and they request to do so.

Frustrating it is, but it is their right and I pack up and leave making an appointment to see them the following night.

From Nine Elms I cut back past the public house, all seems quiet - it is

A shift in the life PC546 Ian Home covers a patch stretching from Blagrove to Sparcells, mostly on foot. Here he describes one of his busier days in West Swindon

Ian Home on one of his regular liaison visits to Greendown Community School with Myles Thwaites, Sufia Ali and Lisa Taylor 18.30 now, and I envy the occupants of the bar. It's raining heavily and I'm running out of dry patches on my body; time to go home for a change of uniform. I make my way up through Middleleaze past the building sites.

Halfway through the sites I see a movement in one of the near completed houses. I've had a number of fittings stolen from houses on this site and after requesting back up on my radio, there is nothing for it but to move in and trust that if I do get into trouble the car arrives in time.

As! get near to the hon-e a youth of around 18 years make a break from the rear of the building loping off across the rubble strewn site.

That's not normal behaviour and he obviously doesn't want to stop and chat to me. Now I'm no super athlete but I can surprise people when it comes to a run but when the other guy's in trackshoes, denim jacket and jeans, and I'm fully uniformed with helmet and a bag of confidential

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papers it's no surprise that I start to get left behind.

However he makes a big mistake and looks round to see if I'm following him. The benefit of working the same area for over four years bears fruit; I recognize him straight away as a local and stop chasing. I plan to have a chat with him later For now I'll content myself returning to the house to see what I can find.

The response car turns up - not bad time. I would have been OKif I'd hit trouble and it's reassuring to know there's backup. A look round the house reveals nothing amiss but a check will be made with the builders in the morning. I'm grateful for a lift home in the car, a fresh uniform and change of boots. It's 1900- time for a refreshment break.

The radio goes again calling my number - a neighbour of an elderly gentleman in Langstone Way is concerned that his milk is still on the doorstep and his curtains are still drawn. During a brisk walk to the address I hardly notice the rain as I think about what I might find. One of the unpleasant duties is finding people who have passed away, sometimes laying for hours or even days before we find them.

On reaching the address repeated banging on doors and windows gets no response and it's time to look for an entry point. No sign of an obvious one so there's nothing for it but to break a window. A quick check of the downstairs and no sign of anybody. I then make my way up to the front bedroom and my worst fears are confirmed when I see an elderly gentleman laying in bed quite still. I switch on the light to see better and the gentleman suddenly jumps upright in bed (I jump slightly higher).

After calming the gentleman down I explain to him what's happened and why I'm there. After a check I find that's he's taken a double dose of sleeping tablets the previous night in a moment's forgetfulness. I make us both a cup of tea and then after squaring up the broken window, get on my way.

21.00 hours already, the night is flying by and it's stopped raining

too. I make my way through to The Link Centre for a walk round just to check out the area.

We've had some minor problems with youngsters causing mischief through their usual adolescent boredom of the entertainment available and their interpretation of what's fun.

All appears well, the usual banter from a group of young men stretching their wings. The occasional "oink, oink" rings out - nothing original.

By the ice rink entrance I recognize a group of youngsters from Greendown School. We have a brief healthy debate over a current event and they make some points, worthy of remembering for a future date.

Later, walking through the dark backways I'm surprised to find a young girl walking on her own. How do you warn a young girl about the dangers of walking around in the dark in lonely places without frightening her unnecessarily?

I walk alongside the lass for a few minutes having a friendly chat bee fore she enters her home. I hope the message gets home. We live in a good safe area but one incident would be too much.

23.00 hours and the pubs are starting to turn out. This is one of our problem times when rational civilised behaviour is destroyed by alcohol. Don't get me wrong, I like a drink, but too much in the wrong person means work for me. From now to the end of the shift I'm extra wary as this is when my colleagues and I appear to be at highest risk from assault.

23.20 hours and I hear my colleague in the response car being sent to the car park of a local pub. I make my way there as quickly as I can. I support him as he supports me, when we have to attend potential trouble.

I arrive slightly puffed and search around for my colleague. I notice him in the entrance to the pub in heated debate with a group of men who have obviously had a good night's drinking.

We attempt to find out what's going on; there has been a fight over something but what, we cannot find out. The main offender appears to have left the scene and those left behind suddenly forget who he is or what's happened - it's not unusual.

The remaining group is warned to go on their way without causing further trouble or they run the risk of being arrested. To reinforce the message the large dark shape of the Police Sherpa Van arrives at the scene and the trouble makers are quickly dispersed.

23.40 hours - nearly end of shift.

It's raining again-which at least will cool any hot heads and ensure that they don't hang around the area for long. I take a last walk through the West Swindon Centre before heading home via the footway into Grange Park. All appears quiet now, just a few scurrying figures going home and my front door is a welcome sight.

Time for a quick cup of tea before bed (God, my feet ache). I'm glad it was a quiet night. I suddenly ree member my promise to the lady in member King Henry Drive. Come on, dogs walkies time!

23

RECREATION Local player makes A Feast of Festivities at Link Centre England U 16 team. Link Centre promotions officer Anya Kent reviews some of the Darly Lipsey, Ice Hockey Development Officer, writes: Drew Chapman, 15 year old from Grange park, has emerged as the first local player to reach international status.

Drew, who attends Bradon Forest School, has been playing for only two years and looks to be a fine prospect for the Swindon Wildcats in the future.

Coming from a hockey organization that only started two years ago and being selected for England is a big achievement for him as well as the Swindon ice hockey development programme.

"Hard work and dedication is the answer," is Drew's outlook. "I try to never miss a practice and get all the skating I can possibly get."

With dedication like this, Chapman is sure to be a success in Swindon in the future. His immediate goal is to play premier hockey, but if he makes the grade he would like a shot at trying out for a professional team in Canada.

Drew Chapman is only the start of a successfully run hockey organisation. Swindon Pumas under 14s are unbeaten in their league and look to be a team to go all the way.

The Jaguars under 12s and Leopards under 16s have only lost 2 games in each of their leagues and look to be contenders for the top spots in their divisions.

On to the Cougars, the Wildcats second team. Once again they are running away with Division II in the non-import league with 4 complete wins.

It all looks good for the future.

West Swindon F.C. latest

by Phil Bathe With a third of the season gone the dubs' 3 teams have all made a reasonably successful start to the season. The first team have a generous kit sponsor in 'Select Line' Carpets and Flooring this season and have responded well by winning 8 of the 13 games they have played and losos ing only 2.

The reserve team have carried on their good form of the end of last season and but for a lack of goals would be challenging for the league title as they have also only lost 2 games out of the 8 they have played.

This year, for the first time, the dub has entered a youth team into the Swindon under 15's League. The new manager and players have performed excellently and have established the clubs youth policy. The side's playing record for the season is: won 4, lost 2. During the summer they achieved success in a local 6-aside tournaments.

Anyone interested in playing for the dub is welcome to attend training at Greendown School every Wednesday at 7.45p.m. Also anyone interested in management or sponsoring one of the dubs' teams should 'phone Mal Bird 50543.

WHEN OTHER DIETS FAIL, TRY FAST, SAFE CAMBRIDGE

seasonal activity in store this Christmas.

Christmas Party for youngsters The fun begins on 21St December with 'Lincoln the Bear's Christmas Party', especially for 5-12 year olds. Leave the kids with us whilst you do the Christmas shopping.

The afternoon kicks off at 1p.m. and finishes at 4.30p.m. and consists of an afternoon packed full of exciting activities including skating, films, party games, a disco and each child will return home with a Christmas goody bag! Tickets are available from Link Centre reception now.

Call your Counsellor today: ROY & JAN Tel: 872693 Sandie Tel: 870295

Ice Gala For a breath-taking evening of family entertainment buy your ticket now for the Southern Electricity Board's International Ice Skating Gala Extravaganza.

This magical performance is produced and directed by Nicky Slater who also stars in the show, along with a variety of world class skaters including World Ranked No.1 Kurt Browning of Canada.

I The Gala takes place on Wednesday 7th December, with a Matinee at 2.15p.m.-3.45p.m. and an evening performance from 7.30p.m.-9.45p.m. Tickets are as follows: Matinee: Adult £4; Conc. £3 Evening: Adult5; Conc. £3

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A Festival of Skating Our festivities continue on Sunday 18th December 8p.m.9.30p.m. and Monday 19th December, 7p.m.-8.30p.m. when groups of skaters within the Link Centre are coming together to provide a 'Festival of Skating' for the people of Swindon. This will include figure skating, ice dance and ice-hockey.

Following the Festival, on both evenings, the audience will have an opportunity to join the skaters on the ice for one hours skating.

A fabulous evening of entertainment for just £1.50!

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Our Special Offer On Christmas Eve why not bring the youngsters along to our kids! family Christmas Special, whilst you finish off your last minute shopping.

From 10a.m.-1p.m. we will keep them occupied with fun and games, competitions and prizes.

From 2.30p.m.-3.30p.m. the fun continues with a Christmas Disco Special, including the current Top 20 together with 'Classic Golden Oldies', games, prizes, balloons and many more surprises.

See in the New Year on ice.

On New Years Eve join us at our Kids /Family Session 10a.m.I .00p.m., see out the old year and welcome in the new on ice! From 2.30p.m.-5.30p.m. we will be holding the last Disco session of 1988, join in the New Year Party Celebrations and skate along to your favourite Top 20 hits of the last 12 months.

Link Ice Rink Family Session Tuesday and Thursday 7.30pm - 10.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 12.30pm Adults £1.90 Concessions £1.50 (plus 45p skate hire) Take the opportunity to celebrate that special lamih. occasion on ice, and participate in our lamik' favourites request spot or if you wish, just come along and skate at your leisure in a 'sore relaxed atmosphere Our faini1v skating session is open to over 21s and family groups Bar. Cafeteria and Shop all accessible Iromn the Rink For further details on our skating sessions telephone (07Q3) 871212,

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24

EDUCATION MATTERS St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School, Swindon

Concluding our series on secondary schools designated to take West Swindon children, headteacher John Williams, describes 'St. Joe's' Parents and potential parents are versity Students Union. Last year Helen Kenny gained a place at frequently confused when they Balliol College, Oxford, and has see the School address listed as proved her worth by winning the Queen's Drive and Nythe Road, Greville-Smith prize for ChemisCovingham. The answer is that try at the University. the school is a 'split-site' because Apart from West Swindon, St. of historical reasons. Successive Joseph's reputation attracts puHeadteachers have turned this pils from Malmesbury, Caine, potential disadvantage into a positive attribute for St. Joseph's Shrivenham and outlying districts of Swindon whose parents pupils. Years 1 and 2 are situated seek traditional values and disciat the Lower School, Queen's plined teaching for their youngDrive, which is quite separate sters and are generally more than from the Upper School site at satisfied with the outcome.

Nythe Road. Both buildings are Left: St. Joseph's first year intake complete schools with Laboratofrom West Swindon. Below: Rachel ries, Computer Rooms, Drama More than 120 West Swindon Romanelli from Shaw and Karen James Workshops, Halls, Gymnasiums, the whole ethos of the school from Westlea in a Tedchnology class.

Libraries, Canteens, etc. but centres around the Christian mes- youngsters take advantage of the whereas the total school popula- sage. Thus, first and foremost, free transport provided by the tion exceeds 1,000 pupils, there the pupils are taught to care - for Local Authority to bring them to are less than 400 at Queen's Drive their colleagues, their families, St. Joseph's. Each site has its own and a more sheltered 'Middle' their school, their church and the chapel and all children have two School atmosphere can be main- wider community. This unified periods per week of Religious tained which helps younger central aim leads to a disciplined Education. This year 167 Fifth pupils to bridge the gap between approach to study and play and Year pupils took Religious EduPrimary and Secondary Educa- has resulted in the exceptional cation at GCSE, in addition to tion. examination successes that the their 'normal' subjects and 163 In a recent survey to discover school has enjoyed over the years, passed with 78 gaining 'top' the 10 'best' maintained Secon- coupled with its traditional grades.

The school has maintained its dary Schools in London, 6 (in- dominance in Football, Netball cluding the top of the list) were and Cross Country events. Local Sixth Form and recent past puvoluntary aided schools with a employers, too, frequently re- pils include Patrick Wall from religious foundation. St. Joseph's mark on the 'quality' of St Jo- Purton who went up to Oxford aims to follow this pattern and seph's ex-pupils. and became President of the Uni-

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11

25

CHRISTMAS STORY COMPETITION

Judges praise entries to competition There were twenty two entries to our Christmas story writing competition sponsored by West Swindons writers group Writer's Cramp', West Swindon Library and The Link magazine.

The judges were most impressed by the high standard and the variety of themes taken up by the entrants. There is certainly story writing talent in West Swindon.

All the entries will be typed up and displayed in the Library at the Link Centre. Come on down and browse through the contributions.

Here is the winning entry in the 8- 14s age group by eight year old Matthew Drayton from Stancombe Park, Westlea

The winners and their prizes are: 5 -7 years Lindsay Farrar (6) - Mr. Pastry Play set donated by Bluebird Toys Kristian Bates (6) - Choice of book donated by Toymates 8-14 years Matthew Drayton (8)- £5 book token donated by Sherratt & Hughes Timothy West (10) - Choice of book donated by Toymates Adults Rachel Leighfield - £10 book token donated by Sherratt & Hughes Christine Mayes- 'Coffee Table' book donated by Book Club Associates

R.T. Farley Landscape Gardener in West Swindon 20 years of experience.

Turfing, Paving, Fencing, Planting new Gardens Rockery Construction, Pergolas etc.

New gardens TEL: 875174

Matthew Drayton, winner of the 8 - 14s section

Christmas Time Once at Christmas time in the afternoon, I was walking down the road when I cam to a big tree. At the top of the tree were four bells. One was a BIG bell.

One was not so big, one was even smaller, and one was as tiny as ever. I was nine so I was a good climber.

So I climbed the tree and when I got to the top of the tree I rang the BIGGEST bell and then the BIGGEST reindeer came. Then the BIGGEST reindeer said "ring the next biggest bell." So I rang the next biggest bell. Then the next reindeer came down and as I thought, the reindeer said, "ring the next bell." So that's what I did.

I range the other bell and again another reindeer came down. "But I know what to do," I said. So I rang the next bell and down came number four. Then they all said "Thank you" like this: "Thank you" "Thank you "Thank you" Tllsarak yau" Just like that!

Then the BIGGEST reindeer said, "Do you want to come and see our master. I said, "Yes please," and I got on the BIGGEST reindeer and up we went, up, up and up until we all saw Father Christmas and he was looking very sad.

I said, "What is the matter?" and Father Christmas said, "I do not know where three countries are - Spain, France and England?"

"I know where England is, on the left of us," and Father Christmas said, "Thank you, do you where France and Spain are?

I said, "Sorry no, I don't know but I can find out for you in a map."

"I have got an idea," said Father Christmas. Then there was some whispering. I will tell you what I am going to do. I am going to ride a reindeer to my house and then get a map while Father Christmas takes the presents to the boys and girls in England.

So I said, "I will take the tiny reindeer." But the tiny reindeer said, "I will not be able to carry you." In the end I took the second smallest so he could hide in the bushes.

I got on the reindeer. At last we were at my house so I went in and got the map and got back on the reindeer and went back to Father Christmas.

Father Christmas said, "Thank you." I said "France is over there and Spain is back there." That Christmas I got extra presents. On that very day I got a present from Father Christmas. It was a world atlas and when I opened it I looked at Tokyo and there I was in Tokyo. I looked back at England and I was back in my house and from that day on I had some really exciting adventures.

But that is another story.

The End

Unisex Hàlr Salon A Happy Christmas & a Prosperous New Year from Sue Collins and all the girls at Cut 'n Dry. Open all week before Christmas, Saturday 24th December, 8.30am - 3.30pm Open 28th, 291h, 30th December & Saturday 31st, 8.30am - 3pm

Shaw Village Centre • Tel: 874825 Freshbrook Village Centre • Tel: 873217

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Why spend your holidays or free time up ladders painting windows or doors that are draughty, ill-fitting and have probably seen better days?

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Telephone: Swindon 770717 (evenings), Swindon 618138 (daytime) and ask for BOB MASON 4.

26

THE CHURCH THIS CHRISTMAS

Pets — At — Home

Freshbrook Evangelical Church

Worried about who will look after your pets whilst you're on holiday?

Pets - At - Home could be your answer.

Pets - At - Home Is a new service which cares for pets (sorry, no dogs) In their own home.

Telephone Swindon 873062 for further details

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Building Plans prepared, Planning & Building Regulations Approvals obtained "All the headaches taken out of your hands."

(Meeting at Freshbrook Community Centre)

Sunday 18th December 11a.m.

Christmas Family Service 6.30p.m. Carol Service Christmas Day 10.30a.m. Come and Worship as a Family 6.30p.m. Christmas Praise YOU will be most welcome

St. Peter's Catholic Church Carronbridge Road, Westlea

All work undertaken by fully qualified engineer.

Telephone Steve Wright on Swindon 871553

Monday 19th December Penitential Service in preparation for Christmas, 7.30p.m. - 8.30p.m.

Christmas Eve

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First Mass of Christmas - Family Mass with Folk Group, 7p.m.

Christmas Carols from 6.45p.m.

Midnight Mass, 12 midnight. Carols from 1130p.m.

Christmas Day 10a.m. Morning Mass No Evening Mass Monday 26th December Feast of St. Stephen. Morning Mass, 10a.m.

For further details, telephone 874400.

United Churches

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Unft 13, Axis, Westmead Trading Estate, Swindon l TeIe.hone: Swindon 643866

All Saints Lydiard Millicent Sunday 18th December Carol & Christingle Service, 4p.m.

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion Service in Candlelight, 1130p.m.

Christmas Day Holy Communion Service, BCP, 8a.m.

Family Service with Communion,10.30a.m.

St. Mary's Lydiard Tregoze

Sunday 18th December Childrens Carol Service, 1030a.m.

Candle Light Service of Lessons & Carols, 6.30p.m.

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion Service, 11.30p.m.

Christmas Day Family Communion, 10.30a.m.

Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You — Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Buss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken.

Why not try one of our delicious Curries for a change?

Toothill Church

Sunday 18th December Family Service with Carols, 10.45a.m.

Carol Service, 7p.m.

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion, 11.30p.m.

Christmas Day Family Worship with Communion, 1045a.m.

Westlea Church at Westlea Primary School

Sunday 18th December Carol Service, 4p.m.

Christmas Day Family Service with Communion, 10.45a.m.

Shaw Church

Have you had one of our big beefburgers?

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Open Monday — Saturday 11.30am — 2.30pm; 4.30pm — 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME — 870455

Sunday 18th December Family Carol Service, 330p.m.

Service of 9 Lessons & Carols, 6.30p.m.

Christmas Eve 11.30p.m. Midnight Communion.

Christmas Day Jesus' Birthday Celebrations Holy Communion, 9a.m.

Family Service, 1030a.m.

NEW & VIEWS Pick A Landlord' scheme iT1Ture Beauty prafessional home -based beauty salon. explained at tenants meetings Despite the brilliant and noisy attraction of the annual West Swindon aerial fireworks display on 8th November, one hundred council tenants attended a meeting at Toothill School to discuss the implications of the Government's Housing Bill that is expected to become law early in the new year.

The Housing Bill, which was the council sees this as a victory featured on the front page of the by 777 votes to sell its housing May edition of The Link, gives stock..

Tenants who vote against a Council tenants the option to transfer to an alternative land- move may if they choose remain lord such as a housing associa- Council tenants if the transfer tion or private company if they application succeeds.

Charles Blaxhall, ex-chair of the are dissatisfied with their lot.

In fact, tenants may find them- Toothill Tenants Association selves with a new landlord even which existed a few years ago, if a majority are not in favour of said the meeting had been very such a move because of the way instructive. "The Council reprethe voting arrangements are sentative, Peter Holohan, was exbeing set up. cellent. He explained the new If another landlord puts in a law very clearly. Nobody could bid for an area of housing, after have left the meeting not knowconsultation tenants will be asked ing what is proposed in the new to vote on whether they would housing act. prefer to stay with the Council or "Nobody at the meeting transferto the newlandlord. Any wanted another landlord as it's tenant entitled to vote who does very clear that a private landlord not will be assumed to be in fa- will put up rents dramatically." vour of moving to a new land- 'A second West Swinlord. Therefore the majority in don tenants meeting to favour of not transferring could be outvoted by those not attend- explain the new Housing legislation will take ing the meeting.

For example, Torbay Council place on Thursday 8th tenants voted 2,210 to 787 against December, 7.30p.m., in transfer to another landlord in mid November. But because the Freshbrook Commu2,200 tenants who abstained will nity Centre. Ali tenants be counted in favour of transfer, are invited to attend.

Looking for more members A new group for people with disabilities living in West Swindon had its first meeting in November in the the community room at Toothill School.

Called the New Venture Disabled Club, it meets on Thursdays between 2p.m. and 4p.m. and the founder members are keen for anybody with a disability to join. Talks, discussions, demonstrations and a Christmas

Party are planned for future weeks.

For more information, contact Norris Kiddleon 617241 or Neighbourhood Worker Lucie Hartley on 26161 ext. 3092.

Below: First members of the New Venture Disabled Club, rear left to right, Joyce Elliot, Norris KiddIe, Lucie Hartley, front, Ellen Bailey, Bill Bailey, Les Elliott, Margaret Lamb.

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NEWS & VIEWS Modest turnout to Link Centre Natural Open Forum

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Fifty people attended the Open Forum held by the Link Centre on 21st November to allow local people a say about how the facilities are being run.

Introducing the meeting, chair of Thamesdown Council's Arts and Recreation Committee Tony Mayer said the council, as trustees of public property, had to listen to users in order to improve services. Because of the mix of facilities and the involvement of different council departments and the County Council, the Link Centre was a unique building.

Link coordinator John Fisher said that in three and a half years, about 3 million people had visited the centre. Developments in near future include: • A major programme of repair work to make good wear and tear; • the appointment of a Skating Development Officer to boost ice skating attendances; • installation of equipment to raise the swimming pool temperature which will mean a weeks closure in the new year; • moves to improve catering provision which was in difficulty following the collapse of the catering cooperative; • the completion of building works in the highly successful community suite; • a great deal of work to prepare for the imposition ofthecompetitive tendering regime.

Many compliments were paid to the excellence of the Link Centre in general, but a range of points were raised by the people in attendance; • there is an urgent need to provide indoor bowls facilities, especially for older people; • the queuing arrangements for courses were heavily criticized; as were inadequacies in the coaching arrangements for some of them; • the need for more ice skating professionals; • more ice time and different ice surfaces for a variety of users hockey players, ice dance, figure skaters, speed skaters, girls hockey; • a cleaner arts workshop; • better external lighting to provide safety for people leaving in the evenings.

In response to a question about library opening times, Ron Pybus from the Wiltshire County Library Service said that given the level of available finances, library usage did not justify more open hours.

In thanking those attending, Coun. Mayer said that all the points raised and those sent in by people who could not get to the meeting will be considered in detail. A full report will be published showing action to betaken where possible.

He said that the meetings at the Oasis and the Link were very useful and further Forums would be held on a six monthly cycle.

Quilt raffles raises £500 Swindon's Prospect Foundation received a donation of500 from the West Swindon branch of the Townswomen's Guild, the result of an eighteen month fundraising effort.

The money was raised from stalls, coffee mornings, lunches and a big raffle for a quilt made by Oonagh Lilley and the branch's craft group.

The raffle was drawn by David Roberts, fundraising officer for the Prospect Foundation who said the Guild had made a marvellous effort. The Foundation's fundraising target for 1988/89 is £450,000.

Pictured here are members of the craft group holding up their quilt and, rear right, David Roberts receiving a cheque from group chairwomen Pat Savory.

Unit 7 Templars Way Industrial Estate, Marlborough Rd., Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 7EJ. Telephone: (0793)854771 (Eve. 850514)

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HOME & GARDEN Present planning for future growth Claire Beaton makes some suggestions for the Christmas shopping list The impending event this month has to be Christmas. It is easy to forget about the garden in the rush of shopping, present buying and food preparation. However, in the middle of making the festive sausage rolls, you will straighten your back, look out of the window at the garden and think how dismal it looks and wish that next year we have a better summer! Now is the time to start planning.

First you need some ideas of how you would like your garden to look better. There are new books published everyyear packaging some new approaches to garden planning. Bonanza time is just before Christmas, since every publisher knows that most books of this sort are bought by well-intentioned but unknowledgable non-gardeners as presents for uncles, cousins, sisters and aunts. It is still a good time to look. The right book to choose is the one with the pictures you like the look of, with the style of writing you enjoy reading. Then you can either indulge yourself by buying it for yourself or provide it as a present suggestion to your family.

There are other presents best planned for in this manner also.

Books are always difficult to choose for another gardener. So are trowels, spades, forks and secateurs. What suits any one gardener may not suit another; as with plants it is a question of personal taste. However, I can make some positive suggestions for those who wish to plan a surprise present for their gardener.

Attractive containers will always be welcomed. Look for one of the new-style cache-pots for indoors or a terracotta pot that will look good on a terrace or on top of a wall. Glassfibre reinforced concrete pots are larger, but still reasonably priced. Where smaller containers are usually planted with annuals, bulbs and other bedding plants, these larger containers can be planted permanently; particularly with plants liking those warm, well-drained conditions they do not find in heavy clay!

Items of garden equipment that will be enjoyed include a waterproof, washable kneeler; that will make bedding work a pleasure.

A soil thermometer or a seed tray with a propagating cover will be useful to a gardener who does enjoy sowing seeds. Indoor gardeners who tend to over water

their plants will appreciate a water-meter that takes the guessworkout of watering. Electronic versions of both thermometer and water-meter are available. These will give faster and more reliable readings where there are a number of different pots needing monitoring. Gardeners who lack the time for raising their own bedding plants may enjoy a Dobies Catalogue plus a Gift Voucher that will allow them to choose a selection ofyoung plants that will be sent in April/May for growing on.

Slightly less delightful but still very useful will be a garden sprayer. These range from the one pint hand pump mister for indoors, through a pressurised version of this (unbelievable luxury compared to the first) to 4 or 8 pint sprayers intended for insecticides and foliar feed. Gardeners who use chemical controls will welcome a second sprayer since it will allow them to keep weedkillers totally separate from protective sprays.

Whether buying a present suggested by your gardener or planning a surprise Christmas present for them, I hope this festive season is used by all nongardeners as an opportunity to show their hard-working, creative gardener how much their efforts are appreciated. West Swindon would be a duller place without their enthusiasm.

in" W. Swindon

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West Swindon now has an electrician who is promoting himself directly at the area.

Glynn Stevens of Grange Park has been in the trade for over twenty years and has been self-employed fornearly 4. Having lived in the area for 8years,hehas decided to push his services here rather than travel to far away contracts.

Glynn can take on the full range of domestic, commercial and industrial installations and is an approved National Electrical Industry Council Contractor. He is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will take on any size of job. He stresses that no job is too small and all his work is guaranteed to the highest standards.

Glynn Stevens can be con.cted on 870948.

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Unti I now a properly without a chimney was deprived 01011 the charm and welcoming warmth Of an open fuel effect gas fire With the POWAFLUE Installed onfoa suitable outside wall any home can have all the advantages of on open

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erase bereavement care

in Swindon

needs you are you: Able to type/do admin. work?

Able to run an office 2 hours a day?

Able to attend meetings regularly?

Interested in people?

Able to work under own initiative? do you: Have communication skills?

Want a stimulating & challenging job?

If so, we would like to hear from you; ring 619933 for further details and application form. an Honararium of ÂŁ500 + travel costs is payable Closing date: 15th December

NEWS & VIEWS Home Cooking Tasty home Living Alone? Too busy deliveries to Cook? Working Late?

Too Busy to Shop?

Let me help you Meals individually prepared ready for heating or cooking.

Choose a week's or a month's menu, and I will prepare, pack and freeze the meals for you.

Large choice includes soups and desserts. Delivery available.

'Phone Swindon 751078 for more details.

Borough of Thamesdown Economic & Social Development Group Community Development Division

Ike Gradwell Community Suite, Link Centre

HELP! The Community Development Division Is looking for a part-time (20 hours) Administrative Assistant to Join a team in the busy Community Suite at the Link Centre. Duties include taking room bookings, receiving messages and keeping the office running smoothly.

Some previous administrative, clerical or receptionist work in a paid or unpaid capacity is required. Some evidence of knowledge of or contact with community groups is desirable.

For application form and background papers, please contact: The Head of Personnel, Borough of Thamesdown, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, quoting reference number 06-430.

Telephone: 610202 (24 answering service).

Please note, we cannot accept CVs. Closing date: 15th December.

We welcome applications Irrespective of race, sex and disability.

We are an equal opportunities employer

However much the glossy magazines and TV shows make it look easy, many women will feel the inevitable task of cooking for Christmas looming up with a sense of foreboding.

Margaret Reynolds has set up a catering business to help people with demanding jobs out of and within the home. She says that, "although many chain stores provide a wide range of frozen meals, they lack the flavour of home cooked food by virtue of being mass-produced. The portions are not always generous either."

A mother of a young child and a Home Economics teacher, Margaret has started her home delivery service to fit around her family arrangements. She aims to provide tasty, freshly cooked food using fresh ingredients for individual servings through to small dinner parties.

Her menu includes starters, main courses, including dishes for vegetarians and desserts. If you want to take a break, it might be an idea to stock up the freezer with some of Margaret Reynolds dishes. Her number is 751078.

Christmas Bazaar Saturday 10th December, 2pm Freshbrook Community Centre.

Ad: lOp In aid of the GWR Majorettes

A Fun Day for all of West Swindon could it happen?

West Swindon's "FUN DAY"- does

this sound like a pipe dream? It could be a reality.

Bob Pixton is looking for residents who might be interested in putting together such an event.

He is inviting all in West Swindon who mightbe interested in talking about the possibility to an Open Meeting on Monday 12th December, 730p.m. in the Community Suite at the Link Centre.

Bob says, "Come along and put forward your ideas. Bring your enthusiasm and perhaps the community of West Swindon can have its very own fun day."

Playgroup places available A new playgroup will get off the ground in January though they are still looking for some children and a supervisor.

A group of parents in Lydiard Millicent have been planning the the playgroup which will take place on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons in the village hall. Further sessions are planned for after Easter.

There are a few places available, but the playgroup's urgent and pressing need is for a supervisor. Unfortunately a recent appointment had to withdraw from the position.

The group would also welcome donations of bric-a-brac for their fundraising activities, toys and equipment and pieces of carpet for the hall floor.

Chairwomen Kate Bath should be contacted on 771197 with regard to childrens places, staff vacancies and donations.

Christmas Fayre Mosl'play groups in Thamesdown will have a stall at The Thamesdown Branch of The Pre-School Play group Association Christmas Fayre on 3rd December, 11 am. to 2p.m. in The Link Centre.

Christmas Fayre at Toothill School on Friday 2nd December, 3p.m.

Come and see Father Christmas.

Lots of stalls including cakes, tornbola, crafts, raffle, sweets, games.

Majorette Vacancies West Swindon's GWR Majorettes has vacancies for young people over the age of seven from throughout West Swindon. Interested youngsters and their parents can come along to a practice on a Thursday, 6p.m. - 7.30p.m. at Freshbrook Community Centre or telephone on 695317.

Be a Majorette like Belinda Flowerday below

ROUND UP Christmas Welcome Back There Is Christmas get together for all the people who have attended the Welcome to West Swindon Coffee Mornings' during the last year. It will be held in the Community Suite at the Link Centre on Tuesday 13th December from 1O.30a.m. to noon. Anybody who has visited the coffee morning will be welcomed by Arrivals Officer Pam Pixton. Anybody new to West Swindon or In need of Information will be welcomed as well.

Looking for the Reference Page If a reader needs information usually contained In The Link reference page, please ring 872282, or refer to your well kept back copies.

Cub pack vacancies The 1st Toothill (Orion) Cub Scouts have vacancies for boys, 8 and 10 years. The pack meets on Thursday, 5.40p.m. to 7.30p.m. at Toothill School.

Contact Akela Chris Rawlings on 20387.

Calling All Grandads!

Do you like playing with children?

The Oliver Tomkins playgroup would like a grandad to help their children in their play activities.

Many of the children have grandparents living faraway and therefor have little contact with older people - perhaps you could be a substitute!

If you're interested, contact Jenny Woodman on 870256. They already have some grannies to keep you company!

Vacancy Playgroup supervisor for two sessions a week at the Lydiards Playgroup starting in January.

Ring Kate Bath on 771197.

Wanted Sit on & ride on toys wanted by Freshbrook Ladybirds Parent & Toddler group. Tel: Nicki Grey on 872483

December 2nd Christmas Fayre, Toothill School, 3pm.

3rd Christmas Fayre by Thamesdown Pre-School Playgroups Association, Link Centre, llam-2pm 5th Grange Park Primary School - Public meeting to discuss whether its big enough, Greendown School, 7.30pm.

8th Meeting for Council Tenants to hear the new Housing laws explained. Fresbhrook Comm. Centre, 7.30pm.

10th Christmas Bazaar, Freshbrook Comm. Centre,2pm, in aid of GWR Majorettes.

10th Copy deadline for January Link. Copy to 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook.

12th Meeting to discuss a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme for houses off Hampton Drive.

Greendown School, 730pm.

Ring 876164 for info.

12th West Swindon's Fun Day in 1989. Public Meeting to discuss what's possible. All invited.

Link Centre, 7.30 M. 24th Dance at Freshbrook Comm. Centre. Live Band, Father Christmas for under 14s, 7pm- 11.45pm.

Christmas Church Services.

See page 26.

Link Centre Christmas Programme. See page 23.

Link Centre Christmas Opening Hours 24 Dec 8am-6pm 25 Closed Closed 26 10am-6pm 27 Bam-6pm 31 1 Jan 1Oam-6pm lOam-6pm 2

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