December 1998 Swindon Link

THE

No. 199 • December 1998 Circulation 18,500

From everyone at

A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

Phone now on (01793) 496703

Distributed in West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park & North Swindon

the positive news force in W

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and the swindon wide

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Christmas r eaders

Twin town needs Swindon help Hurricane Mitch swept through Central America in mid-November destroying lives and whole economies.

Swindon's twin town in Nicaragua, Ocotal has been badly affected. by the devastation.

The Mayor of Ocotal Señora Marta Adriarina Peralta, left, has sent a message to the people of Swindon.

"Since our friendship with Swindon began over 12 years ago we have always regarded and welcomed you as part of our family. In times of crisis families bond and help one another. By your generosity and your prayers you are showing that we truly are all one family.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you."

The Swindon Ocotal Link has set out to raise £50,000 over the next year to begin the task of rebuilding. Turn to page 24 for details of how you could help.

__

Caring at Christmas Christmas is both a time for enjoyment and a time to think of others - now and in the future.

On pages 17 to 21 we meet people who are caring for others, and suggest ways of becoming involved.

How many 20p coins can you pack into a toothpaste box?

MCIhcjch Tandoori & Balti Restaurant

6 High Street, Purton Swindon Visit the Out of Town Tandoori and receive a warns welcome from Mr Ali and his stsiff

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS RESERVATIONS Book now to avoid disappointment

Fully licensed restaurant, takeawaj service available with 10% discount

Tel: 01793 770998/770253 Fax: 01793 770998 Sunday lunch: 1 p -330pm Open: 7 days a week 530pm to midnight (irnel Bank Holidays. exc. Christmas Day)

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Link Centre based British Ice Dance Champions Andrew Seabrook and Marsha Poloushenkb want you to have a go.

Turn to page 3 to find out why.

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The Link Magazine • December 1998

2

Steam gets underway Clock starts ticking for Heritage Centre millennium opening

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A ceremony full of symbolism on 5 November formally started work on creating the country's finest museum dedicated to the railways and the people who worked on them.

Belvoir provides a most complete and professional Property Management Service.

In front of several hundred exrailway workers and their families, Alf Neate, the last foreman in the old GWR A shop restarted a clock at the same time Swindon's railway works closed twelve years ago.

Our reputation, competitive rates and personal service are acknowledged throughout the UK.

Speeches and a fanfare of trumpets preceded the moment, and fireworks and a peel of bells followed.

Located in the 70,000 square foot R shop, which was started in 1843, adjacent to the main railway line,

Swiridvfl -

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Community and Leisure Services Chief Officer John Fisher said, "Steam will add to Swindon's long list of credentials as one of the most vibrant centres in the country.

"We are shining a light from the

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w 1999 Year of the Rabbit Humans born under the sign of the rabbit are gifted, ambitious and smooth talkers. Other people respect and trust them and they are renowned for their good taste. Rabbit people enjoy light gossip, but if it gets vicious will refuse to participate. Rabbit people can endure a gre deal of irritation before losing their tempers. In business they are clever; they firmly believe that "a promise is a promise" and their wo is contract. Although rabbit people can be affectionate, they have a rather detached attitude in family relationships.Weeping for no apparent reason is one of their weaknesses.They are often melancholic. In some areas rabbit people remain uninformed probably because they are not seekers of knowledge.

They're lucky financially, with an uncanny sense for picking a winner- this makes them good gamblers. However, in money matters, they usually think things over carefully.

The LunarYears of the Rabbit in the western calendar February 19, 1939— February 7, 1940 February 6. 1951 —January 26, 1952 January 25,1963—February 12.1964 February II. 1975 —January 30, 1976 January 29,1987— February 16.1988 February 16, 1999 - February 4,2000

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Town Square West Swindon Centre

Tel: (01793) 886871

Former railway worker Alf Neate restarts the works clock watched by council leader coun. Maurice Fanning, and coun. Derique Montaut, Community and Leisure Services Committee chairman the centre will be a major focus for Swindon's millennium celebrations when it opens in Spring 2000, the year when the town also celebrates its centenary as a local government.

Funded by an £8 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, £1 million from Swindon Borough Council, and the rest from local business, 'Steam - The Museum of the Great Western Railway' will transcend conventional ideas of a museum.

Visitors will be offered interactive, hands-on, state-of-the-art attractions which will celebrate both the machinery built in Swindon and the huge numbers of people who worked 'inside' the GWR works.

Displays will feature educational exhibits, audio-visual shows, computer graphics and multimedia presentations, alongside locomotives, such as the huge King George V. and rolling stock.

Welcoming those attending the launch, coun. Derique Montaut, chair of the community and leisure committee said the event was a 'significant day in Swindon's cultural history' and noted the 'huge sense of expectation for Steam, particularly amongst ex-GWR employees.'

past into the future."

To be found next to the Great Western Designer Village, the heritage centre will quickly become one of the major tourist attractions of its kind in the country.

However the lottery funding depends on £300,000 being raised from local sources. Only £50,000 has been contributed so far. Lottery rules determine that for every £1 not raised, £3 will be withdrawn from the total lottery grant.

Why is another major feature of the town's heritage in decay and dereliction?

The Link has made available two pages in this edition for The New Mechanics Institute Preservation Trust to present their plans in their bid to buy and redevelop the derelict building in the town centre for the benefit of Swindon people.

Turn to pages 29 to 30.

First railway worker's doctor debate heats up

The great great granddaughter of the very first GWR worker has disagreed with an article in the NovemberLinkas to who was the first doctor to treat railway workers.

Turn to page 31 to learn more about George House, the first worker.

see us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine โ ข December 1998

Put that toothpaste box to use as a piggy bank

LOOSE ENDS We have an excellent selection of top quality furnishing fabrics, which are the ends of lines. Also wallpapers.

Imagine going to the dentist and he prepares to do some work without any painkiller! What's more, he is going to use a worn out drill driven by a car speedo cable attached to a sewing machine motor.

It's enough to bring tears to your eyes and a shiver down the spine.

However much you don't like a visit to the dentist, it's a luxury compared to what millions of people around the world have to face.

British charity Dentaid sends equipment, dentists and engineers to places where facilities are very basic. They need money to sustain their projects and have come up with a simple, practical way of helping out.

The next time you buy toothpaste, Dentaid is asking you to fill it with 20p coins for them.

To get your collection going, local pharmacists Cooper's Chemist at the West Swindon Centre and the nearby Ashington Way Pharmacy are offering 20p off any tube of toothpaste until 24 December 1998.

Also backing the appeal are Andrew Seabrook and Marsh Poloushenko, the Link Centrebased skaters who won the British Pairs Championship on 14 November.

They have worked with The Link to support Dentaid over the last 18 months after we ran a story about

Next month The January Link magazine will celebrate twenty years in print.

To advertise in this special historic edition, call Jenni Fowler on Swindon 872531. After two decades publishing afree magazine, we know it will work for you.

If you have any comments about The Link, or suggestions we should considerfor its future development, we would be pleased to hear from

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AA:azing bargains at wonderful prices Thursday 7th Saturday 9th January Open from5pm Giles Green, Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham, Wilts. SNI5 5DQ Tel: (01666) 510685

the charity's work. Marsha comes from the Ukraine and was pictured on the August 1997 front page with Andrew and two babies born with cleft palattes from that country who had been brought to Britain for reconstructive surgery.

The 20p Christmas Appeal is an ideal project for individuals, a school class, community organisa-

More West growth considered

Anifik Mapas 1

Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 713P Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189

e mail: linkmagazine@compuserve.com Internet: www.swindonlink.com Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Advertising: Jenni Fowler Tel: (0 1793) 872531 Editorial: Gina Dennis, Tel: (01793) 849518

NEW BIKES FOR CHRISTMAS

Marsh and Andrew withfrom left, Paul Greg, pharmacist from Cooper's, and staff Joanne Lunt, Lynn Joplin and Jean Wood

Swindon Council planners have come up with a controversial recommendation that the 'front garden' land adjacent to the M4 be the site for used for further town expansion.

The Government is demanding the town absorb another 15,000 homes in the next 20 years.

Their second option is to develop land between West Swinyou. don and Lydiard Millicent.

Drop us a line at the address below, Building will not take place unortelephone RogerOgle on 872282. til North Swindon is complete.

Published by West Swindon Publications

3

TO ADVERTISE IN THE LINK, CALL (01798) 872531

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.cYc.LE:F.Ep*IJ.s: * No call out charge, no job too small * Free collection& delivery

'WE COME TO YOU' For a fast, friendly service, call Phil Mitchell on 874873 day or eve. or 0850 650956 (mobile)

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LOOK and LISTEN before you commit yourself to any major home improvement. New windows, doors and especially a new conservatory can transform your home...

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Copy for February: 15 January

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Copying of advertisements for business use, including publication is forbidden unless advertisers or publishers have sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

1150

tion or business.

Once the toothpaste box is full, the contents can be deposited via any bank to Dentaid, Midland Bank account no. 51060120. Sort code: 40-30-11.

Cheques can be sent to Dentaid, The Old Bakery, Mount Road, Llanfair Caerinion, Welshpool, Powys SY21 OAT. For more information on Dentaid, contact Stephanie Glennie on Swindon 872578.

Copy date for January edition: 9 December Published: 2 January "The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984."

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Dentists get down to work at Shaw Centre Shaw now has its own dental practice following a move by dentists from West Swindon Health Centre to premises on the first floor of Ramleaze House at Shaw Centre on 3 November.

The new Shaw Village Dental to larger premises gives us a lot opment."

Practice has a spacious waiting more flexibility to offer a wider He added that dentists are now room, two dental surgeries and a range of services to patients, many better distributed geographically hygienist's surgery. Principal John of whom live close by. We are also across West Swindon.

Wilkinson and partner Anne better located for the people movThe practice can be contacted on Wilkie are being joined by Brigette ing into the North Swindon devel- 877422.

Wilkinson.

Mr Wilkinson said, "the move Shaw Dental Practice line-up: John Wilkinson in the hot seat, with Brigette Wilkinson, left, and Anne Wilkie. Rear from left, Rita Marvier, Stella Collier, Claire Coard, Lisa Neale, Sarah Florey

9

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Last link in place Last month we published a photograph of the new bridge over Mead Way being lowered into place.

Pictured right are Swindon Council leader Maurice Fanning opening it with help from four year old James Deeley at the beginning of November.

The bridge provides an essential link between Sparcells and Peatmoor, giving access to the village centre and the new primary school which is due to open in September 1999.

The arrival of the first children at the school will mark the completion of West Swindon as established in the master plan which commenced building in 1974.

4/12/98

Sheep get used to urban life Four new woolly newcomers moved into the area on 16 November when three Welsh mountain ewes and a ram took up residence at Lower Shaw Farm.

Matt Holland at the farm said the quiet, but nervous animals were already a great hit with local children and would enhance visits by schools and playgroups. "We are looking forward to lambs next Spring and shearing in the summer.

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5

HAYDON WICK & WOODHALL PARK

Mayor puts on surprise party

Can you help Goldilocks?

There's always a first time for everything and in the thirty years since forming the Haydon Wick WI had never visited the Mayor's parlour.

This was put right on 11 November when twenty members travelled to the civic offices to meet the Mayor, coun Brian Ford.

"We were expecting tea and biscuits, said WI President Sue Williams. "It was a lovely surprise to be entertained with wine and nibbles."

She said the Mayor provided a fascinating insight to his office. He talked about the civic silver kept in the parlour and also the town twinning with Salzgitter and Ocotal.

WI members also tried on the mayoral robes.

Newest branch members Sally Allen and Molly Newman inspect the mayor's mace with coun Brian Ford

Local drama group The Haydon Players are rehearsing their pantomime, an adaptation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, to be performed in January. Can you help make this production a success?

The group is urgently looking for a keyboard player to accompany the songs and provide some background music.

Lou Carter from The Haydon Players said, "we are also looking for non-speaking characters to have walk on parts. Off stage we need help with make up, lights and scenery. Extra muscles moving scenery would also be appreciated."

If you can help, call Lou on 692123, or visit the players in rehearsal at Moredon Community Centre on Mondays at 8pm.

Hreod has twins

Hairdressing Salon

Andrew Fleet, Hreod Parkway headteacher took a three day trip to Swindon's German twin town in early November. But, this was no holiday.

"Very successful and tiring," der the Third Reich, whilst the was how Andrew Fleet described Salzgitter Gymnasium is very his trip to Salzgitter. The purpose modern. Not only are the buildbehind the visit was to explore a ings very different, the German twinning arrangement with two education system has very strict testing regimes.

German schools.

Summing up the visit, Mr Fleet The outcome is that Hreod Parkway has created links with described the enthusiastic committhe Anton Raky Realschüle and ment between staff at senior levels the Salzgitter Gymnasium. Mr of all three schools to build future Fleet also spent considerable time links. "It has been very interesting speaking to the heads, senior staff to be able to spend time with proand English teaching staff at both fessionals in the German educaschools about curriculum and tion system. We hope to build greater cultural understanding by school management issues.

As part of the European German and English students Comenius Project the initial goal learning together." is to extend pupil's reading and writing skills in English and GerFireman for the day man. In addition the schools intend to focus on a comparative Year 7 Hreod student Nathan Baistudy with Year 8 and 9 students. ley from Carraway Drive spent a "This will involve studying the day at Westlea Fire Station on 7 differences between the two re- November.

He took a trip in the fire engine, gions, establishing environmental areas and monitoring wildlife tried out fire fighting equipment in both countries," said Mr Fleet. and was shown around the train"Students at all the schools will ing smokehouse. correspond using traditional Nathan with leading Leading Firepenpal links and e-mail. Exchange fighter Neil Chamberlain visits will also be arranged.

In the future it is hoped business communities in both areas will form links and work alongside youngsters and offering extra input to their project work."

He added that a congress of teachers and students is being planned for next summer term to develop the Comenius project.

The Salzgitter Gymnasium places emphasis on all sports and Mr Fleet said he would be exploring the possibility of sporting competitions between the schools.

The cultural experience was a fascinating one for Mr Fleet. The Anton Raky School was built un-

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6

TOOTH ILL

Centre refurbished to put back heart into community Thanks to the hard work of committee members, the interior of Toothill Community Centre has been revitalised with fresh paint and new furnishings and flooring. who live in Toothill to join us," she Local people have carried out a and other parties for just £10. two-year renovation project with At £55 including bar licence, the said. "It would be great to recruit funding from the Swindon Bor- main hall offers a bargain for wed- more residents willing to volunough Council. All areas except the ding receptions and other larger teer their time."

For more information about accoffee bar have been refurbished. events.

The centre is now keen to attract Sue Hull, management commit- tivities, or to make a booking, drop new user groups and, in particu- tee vice-chair said that the com- in to see Annette Kennedy at the lar, more private hire. The stage mittee would welcome some new centre on weekday mornings or area can be hired for children's faces. "We are looking for people call 614492.

TV cameras directed at vandals and graffiti scribblers Toothill Community Centre in- ism and graffiti, thanks to careful introduction of CCTV will cure the stalled a £5,000 CCTV system in budgeting with fees from user graffiti problem.

However, centre management November to help combat vandal- groups and private functions.

The management committee is committee chairman Peter Taylor now urging the Borough to clean is keen to stress that the committee up existing graffiti on outside walls intends to pursue a hard line on PHILIP STONE of the centre to give it a fresh start. people caught on camera. "AnyCommunity Centre Administra- one found defacing the building tor Annette Kennedy hopes the will be prosecuted," he said.

PAINTER & DECORATOR

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Annette Kennedy, hoping Toothill Community Centre will be soon cleared of graffiti, with new closed circuit cameras overlooking the front entrance

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Don't be conned by riches on offer Link reader Anne Curwen from Toothill contacted us with her concerns about a home-working scheme after replying to an advertisement in the Daily Mail.

It promised earnings of £215 for filling 500 envelopes, a task advertised as taking only 4 hours. She paid over a £25 registration fee and received an agency manual.

But as she read through the information, Anne began to wonder if this would even cover her costs.

For her £215, she was expected to have leaflets and envelopes professionally printed, pay for 500 each of two kinds of envelope, buy 500 stamps and contact mailing list brokers for the purchase of 500 appropriate address labels. Her completed batch would also need to be sent by Registered Mail.

Anne was even more concerned to find that if even one 'sample' envelope was found to be in any way incorrect, no payment would be made for the whole batch.

The instructions were very clearly defined. The manual states that the address labels must be 'placed at the exact centre of the C5 envelope and must be placed straight and not at any angle.

Anne said, "It's a con - you really have to read between the lines to realise what's going on."

She returned her pack having copied the contents to The Link, resigned at the loss of her £25 deposit and asked us to warn readers to be very careful about such socalled 'opportunities'.

Infants school looks forward to opening nursery unit A new Swindon Borough Council nursery opens in West Swindon in January after a classroom has been converted at Oliver Tomkins Church of England Infants School.

The children attending will cer- Belson who was supervisor at West- nursery will be integrated with the tainlybe taught by experience staff. lea Playgroup and then senior nurs- reception area of the school and not in a seperate building; it's an Mrs Jo Bush joined the school two ery nurse at Jigsaw Day Nursery.

Headteacher Penny Summers ideal development for an infants years ago after 19 years teacher in charge at the Norland nanny train- said, "the nursery will provide a school For more information on places natural progression for children ing college in Hungerford.

She will be assisted by Caroline through to 7 years. Unusually the at the nursery, call 870471.

Caroline Belson and Jo Bush with Oliver Tomkins reception class children

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Head receives PM's congratulations Westlea School headteacher Suzanne Seaton recently met Prime Minister Tony Blair to mark the completion of her National Professional Qualification of Headship (NPQH).

Mrs Seaton was invited to the London conference for new headteachers on 20 October following her appointment to the headship of Westlea in the summer. During the day, fifty-six of the first group of headteachers to gain the new qualification met the Prime Minister and David Blurikett, Minister of State for Education.

The NPQH is aimed at preparing deputy headteachers for their first headship. It covers leadership, management, finance and

human resources. Mrs Seaton said, "the course was excellent, but it involved a lot of work over and above the normal teaching commitments of a deputy head."

She found the opportunity to share and discuss problems with her peers particularly valuable.

She also commented that doing the course builds up a useful and much needed support group for new headteachers.

"I am very glad I did it," she said, "it has helped me enormously."

7

SOUTHLEAZE CHRISTMAS TREES DOES YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE SUPPLIER: 1. let you reserve your tree?

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Suzanne Seaton, rear left, with some of the headteachers who met Tony Blair and David Blunkett (Photo: UPPA Commercial Photographers)

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Fireworks raise cash for words and numbers Westlea School's annual bonfire night proved a spectacular success this year with professional fireworks lighting up the sky on 5 November.

Congratulatory letters and compliments have been pouring into the school, which raised £800 for literacy and numeracy resources through the event.

One parent said that, in the past, her family had gone on to the Lions bonfire party in Old Town. But the Westlea School fireworks are now so good that they do not bother.

3-4ft £14.00 4-5ft £18.00 5 - 6ft £22.00 6 - 7ft £26.00 7 - 8ft £30.00 8 - 9ft £34.00 Scots Pine

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Amount carried over Omorika (semi non-drop) £15.00 5 -7ft Stands (all hold water)

3" stand £7.50 4" stand £8.50 5" stand £10.00 Log bases fitted £1.50 Wreaths £3.50 Holly - 10 sprigs1.0O Logs - bag £1.00 Logs - truck log £45.00 25 sheets Xmas wrap £1.00 Xmas cards from1.00 Potatoes - bag £4.00 Hay - bale £3.00 Staw - bale £2.00 Total: Please make cheques Out to R. Bell

Name Address 'Phone Date/time delivery

LETTER ROM WES MINS'I}:

8

Christ Church with St Mary Coffee & Mince Pie Morning Saturday 12 December, lOam to 12 noon The Church Hall, Devizes Road, Including Book & Bric-A-Brac Sale In aid of Church Funds For details telephone 490863

Christmas Fare Concert by the Bristol Bach choir St Mary's Church Purton Saturday 12 December, 730pm £5, concessions £4, family ticket £15 Tickets from 770525 or at the door

Humility and thinking of others at Christmas time In the 1970s there was a joke about American president Richard Nixon, his Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, the Dalai Lama and a hippy, writes North Swindon MP Michael Wills.

They were all in a plane which suddenly started to crash. They discovered that there were only three parachutes. Richard Nixon said, "I am the leader of the free world so clearly I should be saved" and took a parachute and jumped.

Henry Kissinger said 'I am the cleverest man in the world so clearly I should be saved" and took a parachute and jumped. The Dalai Lama then said to the hippy "1 am an old man and I have confidence

in the eternal world hereafter so you take the last parachute my son.,, The hippy says "that's okay man.

It's cool. There's enough to go round. The cleverest man in the world just jumped out of the plane with my backpack."

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I think the point of the joke is that humility is often not just a moral virtue but also practically useful - especially for politicians.

We need to listen to people and be sensitive to their needs.

This is a good time of the year to be receiving such messages.

Christmas is always a time of special celebration in our family - not only because of Christmas itself,

but also because three of my children were born in the middle of December. It is a time to be grateful for the blessings we have received. But, for the same reason, it is also a time to remember those who have not been so blessed and to reach out to them.

This is why I have been so pleased to see the emphasis this government has placed on helping those excluded from the rewards of mainstream society, with its Health Action Zones and Education Action Zones, and the Sure Start programme for young children and all the welfare-to-work New Deal measures.

And its efforts have not been confined to this country: this government has led the efforts to relieve the crushing burden of debt on the world's poorest countries.

And when a humanitarian catastrophe hit Central America in November, again the Government led the way in proposing a moratorium on debt repayments and providing immediate disaster relief.

Governments should never close their eyes to what is happening around them. They need to be sensitive to the needs of their people. Otherwise they could find themselves hurtling towards the ground clutching a battered old rucksack instead of floating to earth with a parachute.

Greetings from South Swindon MP I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and successful 1999, writes Julia Drown.

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It has been a busy ing translated into acyear for me and, pertion-withmoremoney sonally, a sad one with being given to health the death of my baby and education in Swindaughter Ruby. don and help being Butlampleasedthat , given to unemployed I have been able tohelp ' local people through many constituents durthe New Deal to help ing the year and have them into work. influenced GovernThere is still much ment policy in areas more to do and I am that I know are a priorsure 1999 will bring ity in Swindon - in further good news for health and housing Swindon. policies for example. It But for now I just has also been great to see the Gov- want to wish you Season's Greeternment's manifesto promises be- ings.

MPs Open Meeting Julia Drown will report on the current session of Parliament at Freshbrook Community. Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook Friday 4 December, 7.30pm All are welcome to attend and put questions

9

AT YOUR LIBRARY

Santa has libraries on his visiting list A very special visitor will be calling in at story times during December, writes Vicki Moore.

If you haven't already guessed Father Christmas will be making time in his busy schedule to meet children at the story times listed below.

Saturday 12 December 10am to 1030am Park library Monday 14 December 11am to 1130am Central library Thursday 17 December 230pm to 3pm Moredon library Friday 18 December 1030am to 11am West Swindon library Tuesday 22 December 1130am to 12noon Wroughton library New books in December Aileen Armitage The Radley curse.

When Fern Saxby arrived at Bradford to claim her inheritance she dismissed the feeling of familiarity. Perplexed by dreams however, she has to decide whether she actually is the Victorian governess whose life she has been living, or has she the troubled soul of Kate Radley, a mute from Restoration times accused of witchcraft?

Simon Clark The fall. The nightmare begins when a disparate group of tourists visit a Roman amphitheatre ringed by prehistoric standing stones. The entire group moves back in time precisely two hours - and it doesn't stop there.

Whyis this happening? And where will it all end?

Seasons Greetings A Merry Christmas to everyone who uses West Swindon library.

If you don't use a library, perhaps you should make joining one of your New Year's resolutions!

For more information contact Swindon Central library on 463238 or West Swindon library on 465555.

Mobile help wanted Swindon libraries are desperately looking for volunteers to keep its Books on Wheels service on the road.

Brian Freemantle At any price. The prize is more than to be chairman of the board: it is to control the biggest and most prestigious hotel in the world. Two men race towards this goal. One is an American born to nothing, the other is an Englishman born to everything.

Anne McCaffrey Nimisha's ship.

A space ship designer gets accidentally caught up in a wormhole that transports her to another dimension. While exploring one of the more inhabitable planets, Nimisha's finds survivors of an earlier "accident" and then a more sinister presence.

Kate Sedley The Weaver's inheritance. After a hard winter hawking

his wares through the ice and rain, Roger the Chapman had been looking forward to spending Christmas 1476 within the shelter of four walls even if those walls do belong to his mother-in-law Margaret in Bristol. As soon as he arrives however, Margaret sets about finding him a new wife.

Richard Woodman Cruise of the Commissioner. Captain James St. John Stainer, formerly Forth Ardur's ambitious Harbour Master has now been promoted to Commissioner of Lighthouses.

From this elevated position he is determined to get one over on Septimus Macready, captain of the lighthouse tender, Caryatid.

Roots of the future The Racial Equality Council presents Roots of the Future an exhibition of over 130 historical and contemporary photographs and images with supporting text from 2 to 15 December at the West Swindon library.

Swindon South MP will launch the exhibition which provides a valuable understanding of our history, an exploration of contemporary Britain and an imaginative and positive insight into the future.

For more information call the Swindon CRE on 528545 or West Swindon library on 465555

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One hundred and thirty housebound readers in the town rely on books and tapes brought to them, but the number of people available to deliver them is dropping.

Scheme coordinator librarian Joanne Richardson says the service is a litarary lifeline for many users. "It is free to the users who really appreciate the visits by volunteers who get to know their interests and the kinds of books they might like to read."

Volunteer Mary Dix from Nythe said the help sometimes goes beyond selecting and delivering books. "We can be asked to pick up shopping or deliver a letter. It's only natural to help out when you can."

The volunteers work in pairs during the daytime and are reference checked by the WRVS. If you can offer one morning or afternoon every three weeks, contact Joanne Richardson on 464501

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10

NORTH SWINDON (including Abbey Meads, St Andrew's Ridge & Taw Hill) Carol Singing on the Village Green, Elstree Way Saturday 19 December 6.30pm Organised by the Church of Christ The Servant LEP, Abbey Meads, Gorse Hill Salvation Army Band and Abbey Meads Community Association Bring a lantern or torch. Refreshments available

North plans to view: Link exclusive Swindon's northern expansion will continue next year if new plans to be made public in the week beginning 7 December are approved

by Swindon Council. Details of venue and times are given below.

The development of a further 5,500 homes to the west of Lady Lane have now been held up for a Last December Abbey Meads was hit by a spate of burglaries and in a bid to deter the thieves this year, year after the Government demanded new proposals which take residents were invited to a security weekend on 7 and 8 November. into account the environmental Organised by Swindon police impact of more urban growth and the Abbey Meads Community which are sensitive to the needs of Association, over 70 families viswildlife. ited the event. Local beat officers, The revisions to the plan, subcrime prevention advisors and a mitted by the North Swindon Deneighbourhood watch officer were velopment Company, and proon hand to discuss home security vided exclusively to The Link, are and safety. Two members of the printed on the right.

Special Constabulary also security stamped at least 60 bicycles.

No more coffee Crime rates on the development are very low. Of the break-ins, The Monday drop in sessions at which have occurred on Abbey the Abbey Meads Community Meads over the last year, 40% were Centre ceased for the time being. from unlocked or unattended Ros Deakin, the Community InSpecial Constable Paul Harding and PC Roger Guy stamp a bike, watched by, formation & Support Worker has property.

Neighbourhood Watch Officer from left, Stephen Higginson, Vikki Jackson, Bill Morris and Mike Warr of the been moved to a new area for a six Patti Holt said residents should Abbey Meads community association, SPC John Northcott, Tom Paris month period. This is largely due ensure garages and sheds are can also help to protect elderly end saying, "it has been very suc- to the delay in starting the Haydon locked, even if unattended for a people from bogus callers." cessful and is something we can 3 development. short period, and padlock the garVikki Jackson, from Abbey build on for the future. I would However if you have any queden gate.

Meads, found her visit very use- like to thank the community asso- ries or concerns about community "As most break-ins occur dur- ful. We had some bikes stolen ciation for their support. We will matters, Ros can still be contacted ing the day, try to make your house earlier in the year and went along be meeting with them to discuss on 466511. look lived in. Invest in timer to get the others stamped and find further ways to improve security For new arrivals switches and ask neighbours to out if there is anything else we can as the area grows."

Ros has information packs availkeep an eye on your property. do to reduce the risks of theft."

To find how to set up a able to all new homeowners. Call "Setting up Neighbourhood North Swindon beat policeman Neigbourhood Watch scheme con- her on the above number if you Watch schemes are a deterrent and Roger Guy summed up the week- tact Patti Holt on 891389. would like to receive one.

Beat the burglars this winter

Swindon Borough Council

NOTICE OF PUBLIC EXHIBITIO Proposed Revised Master Plan "Haydon Sector": North Swindon An exhibition of the proposed Master Plan & Environmental Statement at Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices, Thames Avenue, Swindon.

Before the Borough Council formally considers the developers proposals for a further 5,500 homes, it would like to hear your views - come along and fill in a comments form.

Exhibition Hours Monday 7 December Tuesday 8 December Wednesday 9 December Thursday 10 December Friday 11 December

1.00pm to 5.30pm 1.00pm to 8.30pm 1.00pm to 8.30pm 1.00pm to 8.30pm 1.00pm to 5.30pm

q ",

SwrnDori BOROUGH COUnCIL

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A member of staff will be in attendance from 3pm each day.

The exhibition will also be displayed at the Borough Council Offices, Premier House, Station Rd, Swindon from Monday 14 December 1998 to 8th January 1999: 9.30am to 4.30pm each day.

Haydon Sector: North Swindon Development - Proposed Revised Master Plan Key The LinkMagazine •Decembe

Application boundary Predominantly residential District centre Village centre Secondary school Primary school Landscape butter to DC Sports pitches

Vj

Major open space IN , Local open space Adjoining open space Woodland to be retained

ME

Green routes Footbridge Strategic landscaping OOm radius from local open space

Candidate for SSSi Key bus routes Northern Orbital Route bund (sound reduction)

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Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm 215pm -6pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

Travel giant puts computers in schools West Swindon based international travel information business Galileo has handed over 75 computers to primary schools and charitable groups in Swindon and North Wilts.

Freshbrook School is one of the nation of the machines as a natural local recipients, as is Tregoze extension of our other recycling School in Grange Park which is initiatives."

Tregoze School information and setting up a network of six matechnology coordinator Karen chines.

Company secretary and health Winterburne said the six computand safety advisor Mary Rennie ers donated to the school had been said Galileo were pleased to be gratefully received. "We hope to helping worthy causes with un- network them and also speed up wanted PCs. "We regard the do- our connection with the Internet."

Mary Rennie, front right, with Emma Fisher of Tregoze School, with from left, Arthur Horton, network manager at Galileo, Joanne Ellis, Ryan Collett, Amelia Stead, Karen Win terhurne, Leon Adams, Paul Liddington, Hannah Aldcroft

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This Christmas choose a real tree from Lotmead Farm. To make your Christmas a traditional one come and choose a real tree from the fine selection at Lotmead Pick Your Own. We also offer the unique 'Stand Straight' system that can be applied to all our trees. Enjoy a free mince pie while you select from the Christmas classic Norway spruce or the non drop Nordman fir.

A range of Christmas wreaths will also be available This year we are supporting the Variety Club of Great Britain with their 'Kids Go Free with a Real Christmas Tree!' offer enabling up to 4 children to gain entry into any of 150 resorts in the U.K. You will find us just outside Swindon on the Covingham Wanborough Road And Please have a Very Merry Christm

Beat officer on site to talk PC Rob Mortimer is inviting members of the public to drop in to see him with any queries or problems whenever they see his helmet in the window of Freshbrook Community Centre.

It is almost a year since PC the area but is now keen to deMortimer started pounding the velop a closer relationship with streets as Freshbrook's Commu- residents. He is unable to run regunity Police Officer. During this lar 'surgeries' because he cannot time he has been getting to know always guarantee being available.

But he now has a key to the Community Centre and uses the front office to do his paperwork and talk to people who call in.

Current concerns include a spate of bicycle thefts. PC Mortimer is urging people to be security conscious and think about where they leave cycles. He is planning a cycle stamping session at the Community Centre in the near future.

You can contact PC Mortimer by leaving a message at Freshbrook Community Centre or by ringing him at Westlea Police Station on 528111.

Variable results from TV cameras There are mixed feelings as to the effectiveness of CCTV which was installed over two years ago in Freshbrook Village Centre.

Others were less convinced.

Bruce Elder, Chair of the Management Committee at Freshbrook Community Centre, says, "it has and bushes need to be regularly adequete lighting is cut down the amount of loitering.cutback Tradersand commented that trees The cameras do have a deterrent also important. It was also mentioned that the cameras are not effect."

And area police officer Rob run con-sistently enough.

Jones, Manager of Philip said, Mortimer confirmes that videotape Dillons, "a regular police evidence from the Freshbrook cameras has been used by the police on foot patrol would offer a real deterrent." a couple of occasions.

See us on the net © www.swindontink.com

The Link Magazine. December 1999

13

A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to all our customers

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14

The Link Magazine

•

December 1998

Aerobics work out helps Bangladesh street kids

ptimum, Beauty

A charity aerobics session raised £126 to help the efforts of Link reader Yasmin Torr to support a project for street children in Bangladesh.

Local keep fit instructor Lee Hogan agreed that proceeds of his Bodies by Design beginners class Waxing/sugaring on 11 November would be donated Manicure/pedicure to the Aparajeyo project in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka.

Wedding/evening makeu Yasmin spent two months in the Eyelash/brow tinting summer working with the project.

I Funding from a Swiss charity had Facials ended and she returned deterI.HB.C. I C.I.B.T. mined to raise money and collect medical supplies. Since then the Qualified Therapist country has been devastated by floods which put the many chil-

Tel: Claire, 01793 872142

dren that Aparajeyo help at even greater risk.

"1 was impressed by the project because every penny received is used to the benefit of around 5,000 children," said Yasmin. "Unlike others, Aparajeyo is free of political involvement, or religious or ethnic bias.

"Vulnerable children living in slum areas are offered care and protection. They are provided with shelter, meals, showers and also medical attention.

"Since the floods the pressure on the project has been immense and they need all the help they can get."

Lee Hogan said he was really pleased to help out. "Yasmin has been coming to Bodies by Design classes for a couple of years and I felt it was important to help out in some way.

Yasmin hopes to return to Bangladesh in early December, taking out some of the supplies she has managed to collect.

Yasmin Torr, centre left, with Lee Hogan, and members of the Bodies by Design class

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RECREATION

Link readers reach GB team Mad keen inline hockey players Lee Burden, 24, from Middleleaze and his brother Ross, 21, who lives off Cartwright Drive, have been selected to join the Great Britain squad.

Both had spent their teens playing hours of roller hockey in the street and also ice hockey at the Link Centre. In 1993 Lee spent three months coaching roller hockey at Camp America.

Ross and Lee Burden

On his return he read an appeal in The Link from Karleigh Burnup, 12, and brother Chris, 10, who live in Old Shaw Lane for a coach to help their friends turn their summer holiday passion into a team.

As a result the Swindon Skater Hockey Club was formed by a

group of dedicated parents and volunteers.

In their first season of competition, both the junior and peewee Swindon Flames teams made the 1996 national finals.

Enjoying the coaching side of the sport, Lee and Ross also kept up their playing skills with the Swindon Inferno senior team during 1997. Within a few games they were in an England squad playing in European tournaments, before being offered an attractive package by the Bridgend Dynamos.

At this year's national tournament, the team took third place against tough opposition and Lee and Ross were nominated as the two most valuable players in the competition.

Now the lads are hoping to gain greater experience playing against top European players with the national squad.

Rugby training Supermarine RFC offers 5 to 15 year old the chance to learn rugby in a well coached environment.

Training takes place at the club ground on Sundays from lOam. For details, call Geoff Bath on 861619.

Kelly keeps guard again

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.5"Wd 00 Hockey goalkeeper Kelly HillierBowden has again been selected to play for the Wiltshire School under 15s squad.

The fourteen year old Greendown student played regularly for the Wilts team last year and hopes to maintain her form.

Kelly, above, is also a member of the South West under 15s national development squad and has her eye on breaking into the national team at club and school level.

She has secured sponsorship from CJ sports of Hereford with goalkeeping kit by Brabo.

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RECREATION

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Netballers are top team Year 11 girls from Hreod Parkway School have swept all competition before them to take the Swindon School's under 16s title.

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Top performers:from left, Kate Varney, Nicola Blake, Leanne Harding, Lucy Harding, Jodie Hurwood, Hayley Dancer, Fin McGrogan The girls have been together since year 7 and have won every league and tournament title over the last three years.

On 14 November, the team came third in the Wilts Schools tournament and hope to be selected for a regional competition.

Team members Hayley Dancer, Jodie Hurwood and Fin McGrogan already play for the county squad.

Basketball suspended Swindon Borough Council basketThe mini-beginners through to ball coaching sessions at the under 16s are affected, as is ladies Haydon Centre will be taking an basketball training. Coaching will extended winter break from 28 restart on 6 February.

November so that Haydon Centre Mens Sunday evening training sports hall floor can be resurfaced. sessions will move to Link Centre.

Coaching awards on offer Swindon recreation services will be running Saturday basketball coaching award sessions from 23 January to 11 April at the Pinehurst Sports and Youth Centre.

People with an understanding and interest in the sport who want to offer their services as coaches are invited to take part. For more information, call Gladys Barr on 466472.

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LINK RINK and WET & DRY ACTIVITIES . tel: 445443 Closed: Thursday 24 December until Sunday 27 December Monday 28 December, 730am to 5pm until Thursday 31 December Open: Friday 1 January Closed: DELTA TENNIS CENTRE. tel: 465490 Thursday 24 December until Saturday 26 December Closed: Sunday 27 December until 6pm Open: Monday 28 December and Tuesday 29 December until 8pm Open as normal on Wednesday 30 December Open: Thursday 31 December, until 5pm Closed: Friday 1 January HAYDON CENTRE. tel: 706666 Closed: Thursday 24 December until Friday 1 January OASIS CENTRE tel: 445401 Closed: Thursday 24 December until Saturday 26 December Open: Sunday 27 December until Thursday 31 December, 10am to 6pm Closed: Friday 1 January HEALTH HYDRO . tel: 465631 Closed: 24 December until 4 January All centres (excluding Health Hydro) reopen on Saturday 2 January

SWiriDon DOflOUGH COUnCIL

17

Care at Christmas

Christmas is a time when we think of others. Over the next few pages we focus on the many different ways one can look out for neighbours or get involved with a caring organisation. In fact, now is a good time to make a New Year's resolution and commit some time to help in 1999.

Carers have a place to turn to

Christmas appeals

Christmas can spell isolation for carers and those they care for. It may be difficult for carers to find the freedom, and sometimes the money, to shop for presents and Christmas treats.

Friends, neighbours and family "People who are caring for othoften make or renew contact dur- ers can feel very flat and abaning the festive season. But after the doned at this time of the year," New Year revelries have passed, says Focus Carers and Self-Help things can become quite bleak. co-ordinator Gillian Barber.

Staff and volunteers at Focus, "As well based at the Swindon Carers Cen- as an optre in Morley Street understand portunity and are sensitive to both the re- to talk, we wards and the pressures of caring can provide support, advocacy HOMEFRONT and information on THE BATHING everything SERVICE from illnesses to Focus volunteer coorFor those whose everyday tasks specialist dinator Maggie Smith have become a little difficult, holidays we provide a unique and for carers." comprehensive bathing and A drop-in service run by Focus grooming service by qualified offers carers the chance to chat or let off steam. The sessions are open staff in your own home. from lOam to 1pm on Tuesdays Registered with Social Services and Wednesdays.

Homefront, 53b Perrys Lane These take place at the Swindon Wroughton Carers Centre, 25 Morley Street.

To find out more, call 531133.

Homestart Swindon is putting together parcels for the children and teenagers in families they work with who would not otherwise receive much at Christmas.

They need toys in good condition and toiletries for teenagers.

You can either drop items in at the Homestart office at 7 Milton Road or ring Jan Aylward on 613886.

Tel: 01793 812716

West Swindon Family & Community Project is making a general appeal for support for their Christmas activities.

They will be organising both family and under fives parties, events which have been sponsored by local companies in the past.

There will be a raffle to raise funds, for which prizes are needed.

The Project puts together Christmas parcels for some 120 families.

Donations of presents suitable for children aged from birth to 14 years will be gratefully received.

If you can help with sponsorship or a donation, contact the Project on 871303. Items can be dropped off at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook.

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18

Care at Christmas

W I..

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With offices situated all over England and backed by BUPA Primrose Care pride themselves in providing a high quality professional customer service and readily admits to aspiring to be the "M & S" of the care industry.

Whatever your individual needs are, we can accommodate.

If you are considering a career in this industry or want to know more about the service we provide please give us a call.

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James Butcher Housing Association

Keep the cold at bay Elderly people can be seriously at risk as winter sets in and cold weather strikes.

In response, Age Concern Swindon offers special, practical help and advice throughout the winter months. They have a free winter information pack with plenty of straightforward tips for keeping warm and healthy in the cold: • Try to keep a constant temperature of 21'C (70'F) in all rooms.

If this is not possible or affordable, keep one room warm and preheat the bedroom before going to bed.

• Insulate your room and use draft excluders.

• Use room thermometers to check the temperature.

• Have at least one hot meal a day, and keep making hot drinks.

• Keep active - a little exercise will keep you well, even if it's only climbing the stairs.

• Dress warmly. Wear lots of layers of clothing made from natural fibres. Wear a wooly hat around the house, and even in bed. Wear insoles in your shoes For more information, call to keep your feet warm.

692166. Or you can call the Age • And always add coat, scarf, hat Concern Information Line on and gloves whenever you go out, Freephone 0800 00 99 66. no matter how short the trip.

Age Concern Swindon offers Heaters can be borrowed dur- free advice on benefits and pening really cold weather. Free blan- sions on Monday, Wednesday and kets can also be collected from 14 Friday mornings,lOam tol2.30pm at 14 Milton Road.

Milton Road.

Be a good neighbour A little awareness and a few minutes of your time can make all the difference to elderly neighbours. Age Concern Swindon has launched a campaign asking people to 'be a good neighbour' and keep an eye out for older folk as winter closes in.

For many older people, the dark months increase isolation and the cold weather brings specific dangers. Signs that someone might be in difficulties include milk bottles and newspapers not being taken in, lights left on all day and curtains always drawn.

Together with the Doctor Patient Partnership and the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, Age Concern is distributing free greetings cards to help people make contact with elderly neighbours.

They are available from Age ConJo Osorio cern's offices at 14 Milton Road and from some doctors' surgeries. er's identity or intentions.

"We hope local people will be In addition to its Good Neighencouraged to help out with small bour Campaign, Age Concern jobs such as collecting prescrip- Swindon always has opportunitions, helping with shopping or ties for volunteers as regular visijust popping in on a more regular tors to older people or to help in basis," said Age Concern Swindon the Age Concern shop. You can director Jo Osorio. Safety is, as find out more by ringing volunalways, important - the cards can- teer co-ordinator Alex Mullins on not offer a guarantee as to the call- 692166.

19

Care at Christmas Christmas time opportunities Volunteers needed to widen to be involved horizons

Two organisations who need your help in December Could you give some time to help someone with learning difficulties Swindon Christians Against Homelessness (Caring At Christmas) enjoy the activities you take for granted? needs volunteer to sort clothing, prepare vegetables and cook meals, MENCAP Community Access ordinator, says, "people often vol- and clean facilities from Christmas Eve to 28 December.

It would be helpful if you have your own car, though minibus Project is looking for volunteers unteer because they want to do who will befriend adults with something worthwhile and are transport is provided in the evelearning difficulties, enabling them amazed at the enjoyment and sense nings. Expenses are paid on proto do the things they really want to of being valued they get out of it." duction of a receipt. If you can help, contact Betty Spencer on do. These include going to footTo find out more, call 530154.

485483. ball matches, attending evening classes, darts and snooker, swimStratton Age Concern is looking ming, and going out to the pub or Jubilee Gardens for people to help deliver parcels cinema.

Christmas Open Day with the use of a vehicle, either as CLINIC AT HIGH STREET Training and support is given to driver or assistant on Friday 11 & volunteers, who are linked on a 5 December, 10am to 3.30pm WoorroN BASSETr Saturday 12 December On Sale: houseplants, dried one-to-one basis with people of The work starts at 11am at flowers, chutneys , mince pies. similar interests. Expenses are For an appointment with Kingsdown Youth Centre, Hyde Church Bush Hall, Cricklade paid.

Mrs Lesley Taylor , Road. You will be using a list of Road, Purton Stoke There are also optional group MBchA, Mssch, MIIR, ASKJ addresses to deliver the parcels to events in the year where everyone Jubilee Gardens provides educahomes. If you are driving you will involved in the project can get to- tion and training for adults who need a clean driving licence. gether. Recent activities have in- experience learning difficulties, No expenses are paid. To volunCall (01793) 849914 cluded a skittles match, a Christ- through the development of hortiteer, call Ethel Workman on 825078. cultural skills alongside literacy, mas disco and a trip to Longleat. anytime Sarah Norris, Project Co- numeracy and social skills.

CHIROPODIST Advanced Reflexologist & Kinesiologist

Struggling to cope In response to our feature on mental health in the November Link, we were contacted by a North Swindon mother to tell us about her experience of trying to care for her son.

For the last 20 months, Sue Jones has been trying to come to terms, not only with her son Steven's schizophrenia, but also with the lack of support and information provided by the mental health system.

Steven was just 18 when, seemingly over the course of a few days, he was transformed from a teenager full of life to a frightened and confused stranger. He was admitted almost immediately to a mental hospital.

Sue is still haunted by his terrified 'phone calls home, a terror induced as much by association with high-risk patients as his own illness. The family's first experience of inpatient care was extremely disturbing and distressing.

"What I find hardest," said Sue, "is that with cancer patients someone takes you into a quiet room and tells you what is happening and what can be done. With a mental illness you get none of that."

Having just been made redundant, Sue was able to give her son both the time and the financial support he needed in the months that followed. After four weeks in hospital without any obvious progress, Steven came home. Sue had no information, no professional support for herself as a carer.

"All I wanted was help. I needed to understand the illness, the effects of the medication, the potential outcome."

Steven is now spending part of each week at Albion Street, a hostel that offers a halfway house to independent living, and the rest with his family.

After 15 months Sue finally has a diagnosis, enabling her to read about Steven's condition as she wanted to know more about his behaviours and how to respond.

Perhaps surprisingly, Sue feels that the last 20 months have changed her for the better. She says she is now a calmer person, but she lives with the constant nagging worry of what would happen to Steven without his family's support.

From her experiences, Sue believes that Steven has more chance of recovery living in the community than in an institution where he has so little contact with normal life. "Care in the community is a brilliant idea, but you've got to put the things behind it to support it."

What would have helped her most would have been to be told from the start by professionals of what was likely to happen. She also feels that all new carers should be told about available support, such as she now receives from Focus on Carers and Self Help, and encouraged to use it.

If you are caring for someone with mental health problems and would like support for yourself, you can contact Focus on Carers and Self Help on 531133.

(Names have been changed)

Angela Cracknell Chiropodist Registered Nurse MSSCh MBChA 14"OM'& tMf/t'

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20

CHRISTMAS OFFER Two free fills of gas when you buy any new gas heater PLUS A free bottle of wine from

SLEEMANS 154 Swindon Road Stratton, Swindon

Care at Christmas Volunteering 'Oscars' presented On 2 November, Swindon became the first town in the UK to recognise the contribution of its volunteers by offering prizes at the nationalWhitbread Volunteer Action Awards held at the Marriott Hotel, supported by Allied Dunbar.

Penhill Savings Club and Sue Knight, a volunteer with Homestart Swindon, each won £100 prizes provided by Whitbread in the Community.

The next Whitbread Awards will not take place until June 2000. But

Voluntary Action Swindon is keen to further encourage the recognition of volunteers by offering local awards in 1999.

If you can help with sponsorship contact Jaclyn Oldman at Swindon Volunteers on 538398.

Phone or fax

Homestart volunteer modest about award

(01793) 822087

Homestart Swindon organiser Jan Aylward was thrilled when her nomination of Sue Knight was chosen for the local individual award.

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Sue herself played down her achievement. "It's nice to know you're appreciated, but I feel the award reflects the work of Homestart Swindon as a whole and not just my contribution," She is particularly pleased that the award coincides with the Silver Jubilee year of the organisation nationally.

Homestart volunteers offer support, through practical help and friendship, to parents with children under school age.

Families can contact Homestart themselves or may be referred by health visitors, social workers and other organisations. Homestart aims to prevent family difficulties from escalating into crises. Nationally, it helps 50,000 parents and children each year.

Sue, married with two adult

S. J. GEORGE ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING All types of electrical work undertaken: domestic, commercial & industrial + Security lighting installed + House wiring checks & installations + Extra sockets & light fittings + Electric & power shower installation + All types of plumbing & heating work undertaken

Sue Knight receiving the award from BBC Wiltshire Sound presenter Sandy Martin (Photo: Allied Dunbar)

daughters, currently puts in 40 to 60 hours a month for Homestart.

It is eight years since she first offered her services and attended a course to prepare her for home

visiting. Since then she has also supported the Thursday Family Group, driven the minibus, joined the management committee and become its secretary. She is now in her third year as chair of the management committee.

"I've been very happy with volunteering at Homestart as the flexibility suited my personal situation," said Sue. Volunteers come from all walks of life and are of all ages - currently the oldest Swindon volunteer is 80. But they must have a knowledge of parenting. All volunteers receive both initial and ongoing training and support. They gain confidence, friendships - and fun.

New volunteers are always needed. For details on training or support for yourself ring 613886.

St John desperate for new members to carry out valuable role The West Swindon Branch of St John Ambulance met recently to present service medals to four members, Mavis Dreweatt, Sandra Every, Celia Maudlin and Cohn Cole.

The group meets fortnightly on a Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Freshbrook Dental Surgery. Members provide support at fetes and events - including November's spate of firework displays. And there are always two StJohn's Ambulance first-aiders on duty at cinemas and theatres. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Sandra Every on 537921.

West Swindon St John line-up,front,from left, Mavis Drewett, Sandra Every, Brendon Ball, Agnes Bell. Rear, Celia Maudlin, Carol Yates, Cohn Cole, Michelle Feat ham, Hazel Kenee

8 Chancellor Close, Grange Park, Swindon

Tel: 874480 • Mobile: (0860) 760364

CARERS REQUIRED Are you interested in working with the elderly in the community. Part time work available in Swindon and surrounding villages.

We offer competitive rates of pay, good conditions and NVQ training Call for further details on (01793) 618264(office hours only)

To advertise in The Link, call 872531

21

Care at Christmas Guidelines for a Happy Christmas from Relate Planning for Christmas and the New Year can impose all manner of strains on a relationship, even one which is considered good. Here are some tips which may help everything go smoothly.

Draw up a plan: You have probably already done this, but if not it is not too late. Think about what needs to be done, by when, and be clear about who is doing what. Discuss these plans with the family so that everyone understands their responsibilities.

Talk to each other: Although Christmas can be a time of joy, it is also a time of pressure. Talking about worries and problems in advance, remembering the 'hot spots' from previous years, can make them easier to cope with.

Agree spending limits: It is so easy to go mad at the last minute and buy lots of extra things that you don't need. Fun at the time but a big headache later on!

Don't overdo it: Although Christmas is a time for families to come together, it is also a time when people tend to over-indulge in food and drink. Alcohol can magnify emotional problems and increases the feelings of stress. So enjoy yourself - but take care to keep it under control.

Take time out: Don't get so buried in family demands that you forget yourself. Time away from the tasks, on your own or with your partner, can help you feel more able to cope.

Seek help if you need it: Anxieties and worries that surface over Christmas may not disappear once the festivities are over. Don't be afraid to seek help.

So how can Relate counselling help? It can: • give space to study options and choices • enable partners to decide their own future

• provide time to examine problems • help to come to terms with separation and divorce

Relate Swindon is available to advise, call 527664 (Appointments are available within 5 working days of registration)

Relate is recruiting

Evening receptionists needed

Relate Swindon is offering training to people interested in becoming a couples counsellor. Two information sessions are being planned for: Wednesday 13 January, 7pm to 9pm and Thursday 14 January, 1pm to 3pm. For further details, contact Relate on 527644.

Relate is looking for new members of the team who can offer two hours a week to greet callers, answer the 'phone and support counsellors during weekday evenings.

For more information, call 527664.

Haydon Wick Bowls Club presents The Aldbourne Band Christmas Concert Saturday 12 December 7.30pm Tickets £4I3.50 from Haydon Centre Enjoy a musical start to Christmas

BACK PAIN If you are suffering from: 0 Backache, Leg pain 0 Neck, * Shoulder, Arm Pain 0 Headache & Migraine 0 Sciatica O Sports Injury

o Whiplash You should consider consulting a Chiropractor

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Tel: (0 1793) 887801

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Wish all their customers A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Brendon Ball and Rona Willett Friendly Family Care I.V. Sedation Available • Hygienist © (01793) 873044 Freshbrook Village Centre West Swindon's longest serving dentist, since 1981

John, Brigitte and Anne and all the Staff Wish their Patients a

For a limited period only

Merry Christmas 9 RJ-HOLMES

& Happy New Year Telephone 877422

; l) Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre

•0

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OPTICIANS West Swindon District Centre, Tewkesbury Way, West Swindon Phone: (01793) 870011

Dr Peter Swinyard, Dr Robert Forrester and all the staff of the Phoenix Surgery, wish all their Patients and Friends Christmas Greetings and a Happy New Year.

We are now able to register new Patients as our new Surgery will shortly be built in Toothill and we look forward to meeting you.

All enquiries: 433211 Phoenix Surgery, Deerhurst Way, Toothill Village Centre

22

The Link Magazine. December 1998

Jesus is the Reason for the Season Christmas Services at Churches in The Link distribution area ALL SAINTS, LYDIARD MILLICENT

WESTLEA CHURCH, WESTLEA (IN WESTLEA SCHOOL)

Sunday 13 December, 8am BCP Communion 1030am Christingle Service - Children & families especially welcome 6.30pm Evening Communion Sunday 20 December 8am Communion 10.30am Family Communion 630pm Candle-lit Service of Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 5pm Family Service - Children & Families especially welcome 1130pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 8am Communion 1030am Christmas Day Family Service Children &families especially welcome Sunday 27 December 8am Communion 1030am Communion Service No evening service

Sunday 13 December 10am Family Service & Nativity Play Sunday 20 December 630pm Carol Service by candlelight followed by mince pies and coffee Christmas Eve 3pm Children's Carol Service Christmas Day 10am Family Christmas Communion

ST. MARY'S, LYDIARD TREGOZE (IN LYDIARD PARK)

Sunday 13 December 630pm Carol Praise (at Hook Village Hall) Sunday 20 December 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service 1130pm First Communion of Christmas Christmas Day 1030am Family Communion HOLY TRINITY, SHAW VILLAGE CENTRE

Sunday 13 December 1030am Family Worship & Nativity Sunday 20 December 10.30am All Age Carol Service 630pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service (all the family) 1130pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 1030am Family Communion

Married, single, young or old something for all ages at

cvang,. c00

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SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH Live with integrity Love wholeheartedly Trust God in all things

Worsley Road

M

al

SUNDAYS 10.30AM AT THE LINK CENTRE

building with people Sundays at 10am & 6.30pm For further information of other meetings ring: 873050 or call at the Church office People have found the real meaning to life - Have You?

(Community Suite)

& PINEHURST PEOPLE'S CENTRE All ages of children & teens cared for Information: Call Brian on 849731 in association with NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL

TOOTHILL CHURCH, TOOTHILL VILLAGE CENTRE

Sunday 13 December 1045am Nativity Service Sunday 20 December 1045am Carol Service 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 1130pm Christmas Midnight Communion Christmas Day 1045am Christmas Family Service FRESHBROOK EVANGELICAL CHURCH

Saturday 19 December 730pm 'While Shepherds Watched' a Christmas musical performed by Church Choir and children Sunday 20 December 10am Carol Service 630pm Carol Service Christmas Day 10am Service of Thanksgiving Sunday 27 December 10am & 630pm THE CHURCH OF CHRIST THE SERVANT LEP, ABBEY MEADS

Sunday 20 December 1030am Family Carol Service at the temporary community centre, Elstree Way Christmas Eve 1130pm Midnight Communion at Church House I Haywood Close, ( Wimpey Site) 1030am Family Celebration service at Church Christmas Day House 1 Haywood Close, (Wimpey Site) ST MARY'S CHURCH, (C OF E), AKERS WAY NEAR BURGHLEY PARK

Sunday 20 December 630pm Carols by Candlelight 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Eve Christmas Day 930am Holy Communion 11am Family Service EMMANUEL UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, HIGH STREET, HAYDON WICK

Sunday 13 December 1045am Family Gift Service Sunday 20 December 6pm United Carol Service with St John's Church Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 11am Family Service ST JOHN'S CHURCH, THAMES AVENUE, HAYDON WICK

Sunday 13 December 3pm Sunday 20 December 6pm Christmas Eve Christmas Day

Christingle Service United Carol Service at Emmanuel United Reformed Church 1130pm Midnight Communion 10am All age Carol Service

ST ANDREWS METHODIST CHURCH, MOREDON ROAD, SWINDON

0CM CHURCHES All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor) Holy Trinity Shaw -10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 770568 (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre)

Sunday 20 December 1030am All Age Worship Christmas Carol Service 6pm Christmas Eve 1130pm Midnight Communion Service There will not be a service at St Andrews on Christmas Day but there will be family worship at Rodhourne Road Methodist Church at 1030am ST PETER'S RC CHURCH, CARRONBRIDGE ROAD, WESTLEA

Christmas Eve

St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am, 10:30am Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244

Christmas Day

Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620 (also Free Church minister for the parish)

Christmas Eve

The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards • a

•

u... 4. 1s.j

•

1i.•

Mass Children's Mass Carols and Midnight Mass Mass

ST MARY'S RC CHURCH, TOVEY ROAD, RODBOURNE

Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Walker: 872932 (this Church meets in Westlea School Hal( Langstone Way)

Bat

10am TBA 11.30pm 10am

1• •

Christmas Day

730pm Midnight 9am 1030am

Family Mass Midnight Mass Mass Mass

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Love boxes send gifts eastwards Members of Shaw's Holy Trinity Church were busily filling'Love Boxes' throughout November with goodies for children in Eastern Europe.

Rattles, talcum powder and November. These will be passed wipes have been collected for ba- on to Operation Christmas Child. bies, whilst toys, crayons, toilet- A convoy is leaving the South West ries, gloves and scarves are just area on 6 December. some the items packed into shoe "Last year over 300,000 children boxes provided by Crockers at received Love Boxes from the UK," said Andrew. "1 hope the Holy West Swindon Centre.

Holy Trinity vicar Rev Andrew Trinity congregation have been Hethrington expects to have ready able to contribute some hope and over 70 shoeboxes by the end of joy this Christmas."

Cath O'Nions, deputy manager at Crockers and Rev Andrew Hethrington, centre, with Holy Trinity Church members,from rear left, Alison Hall, Sylvia Hethrington, Moira Webster, Mandy Muckett. Front, Sue and Hannah Green, Dominic Hall, Sam Green, Sidney Muckeft

The Link Magazine • December 1998

23

Stress, anxiety, joint pain, migraines, low energy levels..?

Did you know that acupuncture can help these and many other conditions?

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Appointments now available at: Shaw Chiropractic Clinic,West Swindon Telephone: 01793 887801

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24

The LinkMagazine • December 1998

Operation Save Ocotal launched by SOL

Only the best will do at Christmas

An appeal has been launched by Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL) to send relief aid to Swindon's twin town in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch ravaged Central America in mid-November.

For a wide selection of top grade Christmas trees, come to Stone Lane Garden Centre.

All our trees are bushy and we stock many sizes from 3ft. to 12ft!

Many varieties of tree available to suit individual preferences.

The Mayor of Swindon councillor Brian Ford received an initial contribution of £1,500 to the fundraising effort from the Princess Margaret Hospital staff trust fund on 10 November with, centre, Swindon Town football club chairman Rikki Hunt and Swindon Ocotal Link emergency volunteer coordinator Mary Shaw, and from left, Fidlema Meehan of the Swindon Baha'i Community, Gillian Rallis and Miriam Deleon of SQL, lain Wright of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce, Jamie Robertson and Bruce Clarke of SQL, and Swindon councillor Mike Bawden

* Bigger range of decorations on display this year * HTA Gift Tokens available - ideal presents for keen gardeners.

Or, view the range of gifts, from houseplants to propagators, gardening books and garden tools.

U

Christmas presents for your pets! We have lots of tasty gifts for your favourite animal.

Real Wreaths, Holly % and Mistletoe

Thirty eight inches of rain in five days overwhelmed Ocotal with flood waters. Over 12,500 people are homeless and 200 people are missing, feared swept away by the mud and raging torrents of water.

Power supplies have been cut, food is scarce and the lack of clean drinking water brings the risk of cholera and other diseases. 80% of local food crops have been wiped out and half the coffee crop destroyed.

Nearly three weeks after the hurricane, Ocotal was still cutoff from the rest of the country and without clean water.

Over the last ten years, Swindon has supported Ocotal's investment in developments such as a feeding station for the towns poorest children, latrines, housing and hospital equipment.

One of hardest hit areas of the

town is where the Princess Diana Comedor is situated. This is a feed-

ing station funded by Swindon people for the poorest children.

The Mayor of Ocotal Martha Adriana Peralta says the disaster has set the town back decades.

Operation Save Ocotal is appealing to the people of Swindon to give generously to support Ocotal's struggle to save its community.

It has set itself the target of raising £50,000 in the next year to help.

Swindon Town chairman Rikki Hunt and the Chamber of Commerce have committed their organisations to helping.

Spokesman Jamie Robertson said, "everybody can help, no matter how small the contribution."

For information, contact Mary Shaw on 871940 or Bruce Clarke: 533338 (home) or 533370 (work).

How to help. Donations can be made as follows:

* Open 7 days a week * Plenty of free parking * Coffee Shop

• Cheques made out to Operation Save Ocotal can be sent via your bank to the Halifax Building Society Account 00057415, sort code 11-10-67 • Cash, cheques or credit card payments can be made at the Swindon Information Centre, Regents Street

3ff1 1

• Cash or cheques can be taken to Swindon Borough Council reception points at Wat Tyler House, Princes Street, and Premier House, Station Road • Cash or cheques can be posted with this coupon to Swindon-Ocotal Link, 11 Fosse Close, Swindon SN2 2BP

Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent, Swindon

Tel: (01793) 771766 Par,on

I

Stone Lane Garden Centre

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VIJice,d

Haydon

Parton Road

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I/we support the appeal for relief work in Swindon's twin town of Ocotal and enclose a cheque for: Please tick if you would like a receipt to be sent Please tick if you would like to help in any way with the appeal Please tick if you wish to be included on the mailing list for campaign updates

S Shaw M.dInIno,, & SReo .stea. F,a.yb,000. G,nga P,,k, 000tfld1

1iO4eh 5W4

Name Address Tel:

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25

PAUL NEW

THE LINK MAGAZINE'S GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON IN AND AROUND SWINDON

Jack gets ready to climb the bean stalk Swindon's annual pantomime is ready for another successful season at the Wyvern Theatre.

With a touch of traditional Christmas time cross dressing, Jack and the Beanstalk will star ex-Dr Who Cohn Baker as Dame Durden and Jane Tucker as Jack. The show is sure to be a scream for all ages.

Seeking a way out of poverty, Jack will daily disobey his mother during late December and January to climb a beanstalk that will mysteriously appear, just from a single bean. On arrival in another dimension, the feckless boy will find himself in all manner of scrapes, such as discovering a golden egg, being chased by a giant with cannibal tendencies and coming across some interesting people, such as BBC Wiltshire Sound's Sandy Martin and dancing beauties from the Tanwood School of Dance and Drama. One is Joanne Bews who has just been picked to play Princess Miranda.

Leaded Light Design Specialist Custom made designs for interior and exterior glazing.

Decorative glass cut.

Tel: Swindon 822688

EMOVALS IREMOVALS&NRAQf $

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*Commercial or domestic *Single items to a full house *Storage *6 different size vans * House clearances undertaken

Tel: 01793 772888 Co/in Baker, centre rear with girls from the Tanwood Schoolof Dance at the Jack and the Beanstalk launch at Stone Lane Garden Centre in late July, with television stars Rod, Jane and Freddy

Win a pair of tickets Jack and the Beanstalk is now booking at the Wyvern - details right. But you can win a pair of tickets by telling us the name of the BBC Wiltshire Sound presenter who will be appearing in the show.

Send your entries by 17 December to The Link (Panto Comp.), Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD, or e-mail: linkmagazine@compuserve.com

Band's first release can be heard on Swindon internet site Local pop band Anish can be heard on the internet at www.swindonlink.com Their first CD release features three tracks written by guitarist Andy Skittrall from Abbey Meads.

The band, named after singer Anish Harrison from Toothill, also includes Ian Styles from Haydon Wick and Phil Legende from Cirencester.

Turn to page page 28 to find out more about Anish or visit @

www.swin • on ink.com

with THE TAN WOOD DANCERS

18 DEC -16JAN WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY CHARLES VANCE DIRECTED BY DENNIS SPENCER LIGHTING BY MARK ALEXANDER CHOREOGRAPHY BY POLLYANN TANNER MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: PETE BROWN

-DENNIS SPENCER

! WYVERNTHEATRE Theatre Square, Swindon

BOX OFFICE: (01793) 524481 Parties: (01793) 535536

Swindon Wide

26

PREMIER PROPERTY SERVICES Whatever you need, we will be able to help • Decorating • Plumbing • Gardens

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Tuesday 1 December to Thursday 31 December Exhibition Country House Christmas. Lydiard House State Rooms decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Open lOam - 5pm, closed 1pm - 2pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm.

80p, children 30p Tuesday 1 December Comedy Crazy Chicken Comedy Club, Mackenzie's, Wood Street, doors 745pm. £4.50 Dance VtoI Dance Co presents.. and nothing but the truth: a murder mystery. Wyvern, 8pm. £10

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Thursday 3 December & Friday 4 December Music The Ludwig Beatles and star cabaret. Supermarine Sports & Social Club, Highworth Road, 8pm. £10, for tickets call 824828 Thursday 3 December Music Bournemouth Sinfonietta.

Wyvern, 730pm. £10.50-14.50 Comedy Punchline Comedy Club presents Donna McPhail. Arts Centre, 8pm. £8.50 Friday 4 December & Saturday 5 December Music K School of Music: A Rocking Good Christmas. Wyvern, 730pm & Sat mat, 230pm. £6.50

Donna McPhail at the Arts Centre on 3 December Saturday 5 December Workshop Watercolours for beginners with Geoffrey Glover. Arts Centre, lOam - 4pm. £12 Family event A Victorian Family Christmas. Lydiard House, lOam - 5pm, closed 1pm - 2pm. 80p, Juniors 30p Family craft Make glass lanterns, table decorations, tree trimmings.

Lydiard House, 2pm - 4pm. £2, mci admission Literature Wilde at Heart. A look at the life, loves and work of Oscar Wilde, devised and performed

by Patrick Marley. Arts Centre, 730pm. £7.50 Sunday 6 December Music Chas & Dave - 25th Anniversary Show. Wyvem, 745pm. £11 Monday 7 December Music Freak Out! starring Mike Fab-Gere and the Permissive Society & special guest Jean Genie.

Wyvern, 730pm. £11.50 & 9.50 Tuesday 8 December Music The Blues Band. Wyvern, 730pm. £14.50 Wednesday 9 December Music The Magic of Sinatra starring Andy Prior. Wyvern, 730pm. £15.50 & £13.50 Thursday 10 December Music A Viennese Strauss Gala.

Wyvern, 730pm. £10

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December overview Thursday 10 December to Saturday 12 December Comedy Dead Funny by Terry Johnson produced by Old Town Theatre Co. Arts Centre, 730pm, adults only. £5 Friday 11 December Comedy & Illusion Wayne Dobson. Wyvern, 7.30pm. £10.50 Saturday 12 December Workshop Art Angels - paper mache, wire sculpture and collage fun for over 5s. Arts Centre, lOam - 1230pm & 1 p - 3.30pm. £2.50 Music Kentwood Christmas Cracker. Wyvern, 5pm & 8pm. £7 Sunday 13 December Variety The Gift of Christmas scenes from classic plays, traditional carols and songs. Arts Centre, 7.30pm. £12.50 Comedy Jimmy Jones Xmas Show.

Wyvem, 8pm, adults only. £11.50

27 Monday 14 December Music The Music Society presents Catherine Wilmers, cello, & Simon Marlow, piano. Arts Centre, 745pm Thursday 17 December Family event Carols from the Railway Museum with the Salvation Army Band. GWR Museum, 7pm - 9pm. £2 Friday 18 December to Saturday 16 January Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Wyvern. Tickets from £11.50 Saturday 19 December Workshop Christmas Candle Holders, suit 8 - 16 yr olds. Arts Centre, lOam - 1pm. £5 Sunday 20 December Music The Swindon Recital Series: Nicholas Daniel, oboe & Paul Turner, piano. Arts Centre, 3pm. £8, to book tickets call 644051

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The Blues Band at the Wyvern on Tuesday 8 December

Christmas Crafts and Carol at Lower Shaw Farm Sunday 13 December Crafts Day lOam - 4pm Make unusual decorations and creative presents in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Cost: £15 adult, £10 child which includes craft materials and light refreshments.

Bring apacked lunch. i..

To book send a cheque to Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw. Swindon or call 771080 Carols by Candlelight 7pm .1 In the barn, listen or join in and enjoy mulled..1 wine and mince pies. £2 per person. Proceeds to the Operation Save Ocotal appeal. Booking not necessary.

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Film at the Arts Centre Wednesday 2 December Love & Death on Long Island (15) John Hurt plays a naive English literary recluse who accidently sees a tacky teen movie and falls in love with one of the characters.

Wednesday 16 December Ma Vie en Rose (15) Most children go through dressing-up phases, but when Ludovic wears frilly pink and mum's makeup to his parents' house warming party, thing get serious, in this bitter sweet comedy.

Presented by Swindon Film Society. Start at 7.45pm

Swindon Young Musicians in Concert Holy Rood Roman Catholic Church, Groundwell Road Wednesday 2 December, 8pm SYM Concert Band, Junior Big Band, Youth Wind Band Swindon Youth Jazz Orchestra Tuesday 8 December, 8pm SYM Sinfonia Strings Swindon Youth Orchestra St John's Church, Park North (opposite Cavendish Square) Saturday 12 December, 7.30pm SYM Recorder Orchestra, Consort, Senior Guitars Guitar Ensemble Tickets 23 & £1 concessions

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Swindon based band Anish have just released a three track C.D. entitled Blinded by the Sun. And having played at Swindon venues the band are now looking for venues far and world wide.

The music is varied in style and has been described as 'power pop.' The description certainly applies to Anish Harrison's soulful voice and the backing muscianship is superb.

Anish will be well known in West Swindon from her time at Greendown School and guitarist Andy Skittrall's name will be recognised by the dozens of hopeful musicians he teaches.

To buy Blinded by The Sun, send a cheque payable to Ghandarva Music U.K. for £6 to 12 Chester Crescent, Cirencester, Glos GL7 1 HE. Anish play the Queens Tap in Station Road, Swindon on 18 December.

Hear bytes from Blinded by the Sun @

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Anish in cover photo pose. Anish Harrison centre, Andy Skittrall, right, Phi! Legende, left, Ian Styles, top

Singers produce Christmas message song

Ludwig Beatles party on

Singing duo Lorraine Brown and Anika Boyd have just recorded a brand new song with the help of a professional sound engineer at the Town There are still tickets available to Hall Media Arts studio. the Ludwig Beatles Christmas Party The 13 year olds from Toothill, raine and Anika penned their song, on Thursday 3 December. who call themselves Orion's Devil 'Time's Counting', with an unusual The Swindon based tribute band Angels, were selected from over slant on Christmas. It reflects how, play the Supermarine Sports and 70 entries as one of six finalists in during the festive season, people Social Club, Highworth Road. Also the GWRfm Morning Crew Song of rememberthose they have lost. At on the bill is zany comedy the same time it wishes joy to all the Year competition. entertainer Tony Moroni, plus disco Each finalist had the opportunity with a chorus that begins: 'I wish I music from the '60s to the '90s. record a second number with a could shine on the world.'

Tickets are priced at £10 from Both girls who attend Greendown professional sound engineer. LorSteve on 828518.

School were pleased to spend time in the studio. "It was really great, even better than I thought it would be," said Lorraine. 'It was a bit nerve-wracking at first until we settled down to work out the song."

They were pleased to get as far as they did. Natasha Griffiths, 13, Christmas Bazaar from Old Town was declared the Freshbrook Community Centre winner on 20 November.

Tuesday 1 December, The six songs will be pressed as 2pm - 4pm a limited edition by EMI and sold to In aid of Rainbow Playgroup raise money for the GWRfm Morning Crew Christmas Appeal and Christmas Fayre will receive airplay in the run up to Brook Field School Christmas.

Cartwright Drive, Shaw Left: Anika and Lorraine in the stuFriday 4 December, 530pm dio with recording engineer Alan Fun fair, crafts and stalls Burgess Christmas Bazaar Toothill School Friday 4 December, 2.45pm Stalls, Father Christmas, raffle

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Saturday 19 December THE COMMITTEE BAND The Ellendune Centre, Wro ughton Tickets £6 & £4.

Family tickets available Advance booking on 641107

Table Top Sale Freshbrook Community Centre Saturday 5 December, 930am In aid of Link & Learn Playgroup Christmas Craft Fayre The Ridgeway School Invarary Road, Wroughton Sunday 6 December 11am - 430pm • Free admission Craft Fair Link Centre Community Suite Tuesday 8 December, 1030am In aid of Link & Learn Playgroup

A Place for All

...

In Swindon's Historic Heart!

Were you born in Swindon? Perhaps you have local roots reaching back to Tudor times, and the Market Town on the hilt? It's much more likely that you have fire and steam in your railway veins, and that grand-parents' tales of hardship, friendship, and achievement ringing in your ears.

If this last story sounds familiar, then you may be surprised to learn that yours has been the typical experience of coming to Swindon, not only during the past 20 years of expansion, but right back to 1843, when the Great Western Railway first built its cottage estate, following I.K. Brunei's plan.

Or did you or your parents move here for work in the decades since World War H? Was yours a modern house built on greenflelds, surrounded by hedgerows?

Was there nowhere to shop nearby? Did you have children, but not know where (or when) they would go to school? Did you long for your former home, family and friends, while you built yourself a new life for the future here in Swindon?

Back then, newcomers had to trek more than a mile to Old Swindon's shops, up muddy hills and through hedgerows.

How did those people, converging for work from all corners of the country, with their diverse ways and accents, manage to build a New Swindon?

The answer is embedded in the eloquent stone walls of the derelict Mechanics'

Creche Garden Voluntary Organisation Office (I of 4) 11IlIIlIllI1II Ill ill 11I11 11tlLIJIIII

Voluntary Organisation Office (1 of 4)

Entrance

Institution, which looms above the postage stamp strips of cottages as a taunting reminder of the past achievements of Swindon's people.

Within those walls, workmen based a fine library, established before any local authority in the land had a lending service.

Their market offered fresh produce.

'Penny Readings' and other fund-raisers regularly supported local and national assistance efforts. The 'Civic Playhouse' brought opera as well as music hall to delighted audiences. The Medical Fund Society slowly expanded to offer a wideranging service, proving that universal health insurance was possible, during the 100 years before the NHS took over in 1948.

-

A Swindon Welcome Awaits...

The old Mechanics is now being offered for sale, and a Preservation Trust established by Swindon people is trying to buy the building and revive its "All Together Now" spirit in the interest of Swindon's future.

found a new social life. To their credit, the Borough Council developed social facilities within the new expansion areas. Flowever, little was done to tell the inspiring story of Swindon to those later arrivals, and to make them feel part of the Town as a whole, a Town with a past to share.

One of the reasons for the Mechanics dereliction was the decline in the size of the railway workforce after World War It. In that same period, however, the Town was expanding with new residents and new industries. Repeated expansions East, West and North have doubled the population, then doubled it again.

In the midst of a hectic modern 'city' is there again a place for the community feeling and the sense of local identity fondly cherished by older "Swindonians"? A place for all, this time?

"if only" it had been possible for newcomers to have joined the Mechanics, it might not have run down.

After all, this was where railway newcomers in the past had always

The 2000 supporters of the Preservation Trust hope there is. And the proposals they are offering for imaginative re-use of this massive building, located at the physical centre - again a crossroads as before - hopefully will appeal to everyone.

Over the coming months, a shop in the Brunel Centre (above M&S) will display suggested plans, describe fund-raising efforts, and collect further ideas. Be sure to look in and see what the future may hold for our 21St century town/city/home! r

Play It Again, Swindon!

I want to support the New Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust Limited (Registered Charity No. 104896 1)

..-.,.-......... --.- ..

di.

NAME ADDRESS

-=----

Drcssii g Rooms

POSTCODE SIGNATURE I

Restored Theatre

I

I Enclose:

£1 for Membership Only (98-99) £5 for Membership and Newsletter Subs.

LI A Donation of £ I would be willing to help as a Volunteer/ Fundraiser Make cheques payable to: THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED SUITE 17 NEWBURN CENTRE NEWBURN CRESCENT SWINDON SN) 5ES

TEL/FAX/AN 5: (01793) 520592

Li

The Link Magazine • December 1998

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

31

We nominate first GWR worker to Wall of Names 1838 worker George House to be recognised in Link magazine nomination Reader Constance Grove contacted us to dispute an article in the November edition as to who was the first railway doctor. As a result of her story, The Link is submitting the names of her great grandfather, grandfather, uncle and Constance herself to the GWR workers' Wall of Names to be located in the Swindon millennium railway heritage centre - now known as Steam.

In the October Link, we published a photograph of an impersonation of Stuart Keith Rea, the GWR Medical Fund Society doctor, on the occasion of the Civic Trust's heritage open day which celebrated the role Swindon had played in the establishment of the National Health Service.

Reader Sheila Povey disagreed with the claim and explained last month that Charles Axford was the first doctor to the railway workers. From her research, she suggested Axford was employed by the GWR to administer to its workers from at least 1844 to when he died on 3 September 1845.

But Constance, from Toothill, wrote to to say that Stuart Kieth Rea was the first doctor employed by the Medical Fund. She knows because her great grandfather George House used to pay him.

Constance has a cutting of a long interview in the Swindon Advertiser of 28 April 1899, where George was asked if he had started the 'GWR Sick Fund Society.' His reply was, 'No... but I was for many years treasurer of the Medical Fund, and in that capacity I paid Dr Swinhoe his first salary. Dr Ray used to be entirely spoilt by the was our first Medical Officer....'

The article charted George's life smoke and dirt in one journey.'

George was involved in the in Swindon. At the time he was 82 years of age and still working 'in- building and equipping of the first GWR workshops. In theAdvertiser side' at the GWR. Born in 1817 at Wargrave, Berks, article he describes the setting up George believed he was the oldest of the Mechanics Institute and his living servant of the GWR Com- involvement in the famous Chilpany, with over 60 years employ- dren's Fete which was attended by up to 20,000 peoment. He started ple in Faringdon work in October Road park.

1835 at MaidenThe fete had head, 'being enlapsed one year, gaged in the conso he raised a pestruction of the tition to the Counline there, under cil of the Mechanthe supervision of ics Institute to reBrunel.' instate the event.

He came to He was also inSwindon in 1838. strumental in giv'There was no ing pauper chilrailway station dren from the then and no facStratton and Purtory. When the ton Workhouses coaches began to the chance to atrun from Bristol tend. to Swindon, the Constance Grove Swindon only place where passengers could alight was at Hay writer Trevor Cockbill comments Lane.' (Close to Junction 16 on the in his book A Drft of Steam: The M4, as Wootton Bassett was larger founders of modern Swindon that Mr House modestly credited the efthan Swindon at the time) George recounted seeing peo- forts to help the Workhouse chilple riding in open carriages. 'It dren to W.E Morris, founder of the was travelling in those days and Swindon Advertiser. no mistake. The ladies dresses According to his obituary, pub-

lished in the 5 January 1903 Advertiser ".. perhaps Mr House's chief claim ' to the grateful remembrance of Swindonians is his work in connection with the treats to the Workhouse inmates. He was, if not the originator of this benevolent movement, one the pioneers, and he never ceased to take an interest in the efforts which were made to promote the comfort and happiness of these unfortunate poor.

George had seven children. One of his five daughters Rebeka married Bill Kirby, Constance Grove's grandfather. His son Wilfred (father of Constance) did not work in the GWR, but his brother Fred (her uncle) did.

Constance herself worked for the GWR Enginemen and Firemen's Mutual Society paying sickness and widows benefit for a few years.

Now aged 70, she was an only child and is not aware of any relatives of George House.

Constance said she was pleased that The Link had offered to nominate George, Bill, Wilfred and herself to the Wall of Names.

•

SWINDON'S LONGEST

, SERVING LOCKSMITH

The four names will be mounted on a plaque in Steam and details will be kept on computer.

Constance would be interested to know of anybody related to George and his family. We would too, so that a full history can be entered into the Steam computer.

The complete Swindon Advertiser stories can be seen on the Internet at the www.swindonlink.com web site, along with photographs provided by Constance.

If you have any information which will help, contact The Link, address on page 3.

How to nominate a person to The Wall of Names Steam gives the chance to relatives and friends of ex-railway workers to have them acknowledged as part of Swindon's history and heritage.

It costs £15 for a plaque with one name and £25 for a plaque with up to four names.

For a leaflet and nomination form, call the Swindon railway museum on 466555.

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32

The Link Magazine. December 1998

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Rubbish raises money for environment projects £20,000 raised from the Landfill Levy on rubbish dumped at Shaw Tip has recently been given to 21st Century Swindon Forum for environmentally friendly projects.

A number of initiatives are already underway. £5,000 has been spent in producing and distributing 400,000 envelope re-use labels.

These are available free from libraries, the Information Centre, Old Town's Nature's Larder, Swindon Pulse and Voluntary Action.

During November, Leicester based clowns Bozo and Zizi performed 'Get It Sorted' in primary schools. The show aims to educate children about what can be recycled and how this benefits society.

In the pipeline is a leaflet full of hot tips - such as the excellence of old newspapers and vinegar for cleaning windows. Details of suppliers of environment-friendly products will also be included.

Jean Saunders, Secretary of 21st

Freshbrook School children help Bozo and Zizi keep their recycling machine going at a performance in early November. From left, Danielle Phillips, Becky Rowan, Kris Langley, Luke McPherson, Joseph Carpenter, Emily Bathe Century Swindon Forum, explained, "everything we do has to be related to education that will lead to a reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill. As our

funding comes from Landfill Tax, our aim is to put ourselves out of business."

The Forum is a voluntary organisation with a membership of

Swindon 873062

Forest to grow Swindon schools will be helping the Great Western Community Forest by planting hundreds of trees during National Tree Week from 25 November to 6 December.

VETERINARY SURGEONS

PETS AT HOME Sheila Mitchell would like to wish all her customers a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year

around 250 people who share concerns about wasted resources and other environmental issues.

As well as developing their own projects, they work with other local organisations.

Currently they are helping the Top Drawer Furniture Recycling Project to promote the environmental benefits of reusing furniture. They will also be supporting the Community Forest with their Christmas card collection scheme.

Speakers are also available to talk about 'how to live without a dustbin'. To book a speaker or for further information, contact Jean Saunders on 783040.

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The Link Magazine • December 1998

33

Business blocked from play area sponsorship Whilst Swindon Borough Council is encouraging local companies to sponsor flowerbeds on roundabouts, it seems less supportive to a desire by Charisma Blinds to sponsor a play area in Grange Park. maintenance costs and the legal red tape being put in front of them.

Lee Murray is determined that the idea will be pursued. "We're going to keep fighting for this," she said. "It's an important precedent for businesses to join together with the community to provide the facilities a top town like Swindon needs."

A similar scheme has worked in Fighting for their play area, rear from left, Stuart and Georgina Murray, Clitheroe and Lee is appealing to Christopher Downs, Helen Rogers, Jack Edmonds, Andy Downs. Front, Link readers with knowledge of Ham ish Murray, Zoe Adams, Caroline Edmonds, Sam Edmonds, Jonathan business sponsorship of play areas to contact her at Charisma Him pie, Martin Clay Blinds on 434584 or via The Link on 872282.

Along with their neighbours, Stuart and Lee Murray of Charisma Blinds are trying to save the small play area in Grindal Drive from the bulldozer.

They are willing to take it over and maintain it for the twenty local pre-school and primary school children who use it regularly- providing they can come to a realistic agreement with the council.

In January the council's leisure services committee agreed to remove several dozen small play areas across the borough because of the rising maintainance costs and the need to upgrade them to higher safety standards.

However a meeting set up with Swindon officers on 11 November left the residents frustrated by a lack of information as to the likely

Mediation on the way A new support service for people caught in the midst of neighbourhood disputes hopes to be up and running in 1999, following a meeting of 'Community Mediation' on 13 October.

Although the project has some initial funding, it now needs to find finance for workers to co-ordinate its service and train and supervise volunteers.

To show support for the project and to receive information, write to: Lawrence Yeoman, Community Mediation, 1 Regents Circus, Swindon SN1 IPN.

V4

Christmas Shopping is fun for all the family

Bring your family and friends to enjoy shopping in the safe and relaxed atmosphere of the centre over the festive season.

The children can enjoy all the fun of the FUNFAIR every Saturday in December until Christmas.

There are so many good shops all on one level, places to eat, low priced petrol and FREE & EASY PARKING.

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The Baha'i faith is the second most widespread religion in the world and is working towards universal peace and harmony

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34

The Link Magazine • December 1998

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Romania trip assessed Swindon based charity Mission Romania held a Romanian Evening, featuring Romanian food and slides of their recent trip, on 28 November to report on this year's aid work.

In early September, two 38 tonne elled out to Romania was the preslorries left Swindon packed to entation of the first ever medal bursting with medical equipment struck by the town in honour of and medicine, clothes, shoes and those who help them.

Charity coordinator and West bedding destined for Tirgu Mures in Romania. With it went a record Swindon Centre Manager Julian £44,000, raised to support local Leggatt said that, in presenting the medal, the Mayor of Tirgu Mures projects.

A highlight of the trip for the had achieved what other people fourteen Swindonians who trav- have been trying to do for years: "he left me speechless."

Julian thanked the people of Swindon for their generosity, saying, "the medal really belongs to those who enable us to do what we do."

Left: Eric Hayes and Julian Leggatt holding up the Turgu Mures medal, enlarged below

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Seasonal thoughts for Filipino boy As Christmas approaches, children at Shaw Ridge School will be writing letters to Roderick, a 15-year-old Filipino boy who lives in Baguio, just north of the capital Manilla.

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Shaw Ridge children with photographs of Roderick taken over the last four years,from left, Sam Black, Rebecca Jury, Steven Woolford, Bhavika Mistry For the last four and a half years, the school has supported Roderick with money raised at their Harvest Festivals.

Sponsorship, which costs £120 a year, was arranged via Plan International. The money helps both Roderick and the community he lives in. It has contributed towards a vaccination programme, standpipes and education in health, hygiene and nutrition.

Each year a letter from the local Field Officer keeps the school informed about new projects. This is in addition to the letters exchanged by pupils and Roderick himself.

Teacher Midge McCormack says that the ongoing contact with Roderick is particularly useful in RE lessons and for Social and Personal Education. "It helps the children realise how lucky they are," she said.

Seen a photo you want?

Copies of Link photographs are available at £1.5O for 6"x4"or4 for 6'x8.'

Send a cheque made out to West Swindon Publications' to Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD. Specify the month and page the photo appears on, with a brief description, and don't forget your name, address and telephone number.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine. December 1998

Country house Christmas in the park

Lv,*4 Fm4u4v4

Throughout December Lydiard House will once again evoke the atmosphere of Christmas past with the state rooms decked in traditional Christmas greenery gathered from the park as of old.

A spectacular display designed by floristry students from Lackham College is promised says Sarah Finch-Crisp, keeper of Lydiard House. "Dried fruits, flowers and posies will be festooned through the rooms with homemade gingerbread men on the Christmas tree, carols and festive cheer adding the finishing touches. The display will delight all ages; it's a chance to recapture the sights and smells of Christmas past."

Normal admission price of 80p for adults and SOp children will be applied.

On Saturday 5 December, there is a chance to take part in a Victorian family Christmas between lOam and 5pm. Lord and Lady Bolingbroke have invited Santa Claus and a 'royal' guest to meet visitors to the house. There will be hot chestnuts available to warm the cockles.

A family craft event between 2pm and 4pm, gives visitors the chance to create traditional glass lanterns, tree trimmings and table decorations. Entrance is £2 and advance booking is advisable. For more information, call 770401.

35

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We take great pleasure in presenting, for your entertainment, our troupe of dancers, magicians, acrobats and traditional Chinese cabaret this festive season Enjoy a mouthwatering five course meal and then sit back and enjoy a magical evening Christmas lunchtime menus start from just £18 per person.

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36

The Link Magazine. December 1998

ROTTEN WOOD? PEELING PAINT DRIPPING GUTTERS?

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Reducing youth crime with caring homes

A Swindon project is recruiting people in Swindon to help divert youth from prison by providing a safe and caring home.

The scheme being run by the provided to help cope with chal3 housing association, the Probation lenging behaviour.

Service and Swindon Social ServPeople offering their homes will ices is looking for people able to be paid up to £130 a week.

We buy and sell: To find out more contact Lisa give youngsters a new start by Ply, bricks, timber, hardboard, equipping them to live independ- Crowley or Laurence Yeoman on chipboard and RSJs Swindon 531615. ently in the community.

We also supply: If you have a spare room and sand & gravel (in bags), time to support a young person and you are willing to go through Homes for young For more details 'IS a selection procedure including a pop in or tel: 829715 homeless police check, Stonham Housing Open: Mon - Sat, 9am - 5pm Association would like to hear Could you provide a room for a The Yard, Tate Estate, Kingsdown night for a newly homeless young from you.

Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon Training and support will be person?

Bristol based charity Nightstop is looking for 'hosts' in Swindon who can provide emergency accommodation. The scheme proCar Body Repairs and Paint Spraying vides a safe place away from the M.o.T. Repairs and Welding dangers of the streets until a more Free Estimates permanent solution can be found.

Unit 12 Brindley Close Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon As well as a room for the night, a host must be able to provide a Ir 0860 808061 Ir 0179342I125 warm welcome, an evening meal, the opportunity for a bath or shower and perhaps to wash clothes, and breakfast in the morning. * Electronic tuning * Welding * Electrical work The only qualifications needed * MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) are common sense and a sense of For a reliable local service with over 20 years experience humour. Full training and sup(No VAT to pay) port are given. If you think you might be able to help, call Sue on CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 0498 611923 0117 9247044.

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See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

FREE ADVERTISING QN THE INTERNET We'lL give you a page completely FREE, if you sponsor a charity on the site. Call The Link, 872282 for details.

Jupiter-Slymems- YIoui%91'zj ' For all your PC Upgrades Phone For A Free Quote

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37

The Link Magazine. December 1998

V90. The new high speed Internet connection standard now ava.ta!o\e Subject to availability and machine specifications

Visit our website at: http://generic.eye.com/thoughtwaves

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THIS CHRISTMAS AT THE CYCLING CENTRE * Biggest selection of in-line skates in the area * Good stock of in-line, quads, ice skates, roller ball * Large range of wheels, bearings, pucks. balls, sticks, clothing 74

F!

* Prices from just £29.99

Young people who call into the Link Centre youth unit now have access to the internet. The connection was made during Youth Work Week at the beginning of November.

Youth worker Jo Marchment said users are able to gain access to information, help and advice, drug awareness sites and also use the net to chat with people worldwide.

To find out more, call into the unit any afternoon between 3pm and 6pm, or call Jo on 465466.

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SALES OPENING TIMES: Moo to hr 8 30— fill 7 OOprrr

Sal 8 30ar W1 6pm Sur 10 00 rio ii 4 Oopmrr Car shown for illustration purposes Only.

38

The Link Magazine. December 1998

YOUR ELECTRICIAN ON CALL

Dave Rogers paz"re,tcd

Intruder & Fire Alarm Systems

Interior and exteriol'W decorating carried out to a high standard including:

Domestic Installations, Industrial & Commercial

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Keyboard Piano-Organ Guitar-Drums Lessons Available DAYTIME K EVENINGS Dont EARN to Play When you can 13 EARN to Play

Firefighters provide advice and tender loving care Most people associate the fire service with firefighters at the scene of a fire or road crash, but the majority of our work is of a proactive nature trying to make people aware of the dangers of fire and teaching how to prevent fires, writes Sub-officer Martin Lloyd from Westlea Fire Station.

One aspect of this is the various groups about fire safety. If it preoutreach projects that have been vents someone getting into diffimentioned in previous Link arti- culty, then the effort is worthwhile.

We have just had delivery of cles such as the chip pan and domestic sprinkler initiatives, and the some important new equipment. importance of installing smoke de- Teddy bears have been supplied for use with distressed or upset tectors.

Media information is important, children. Following an accident but word of mouth, is often the on the outskirts of Purton two best way of getting ideas across, young children were distressed particularly with younger people. and suffering minor injuries and A good example that attained to be able to offer them a teddy as national television coverage is that well as a large amount of TLC goes of Laura Woodward, the ten year a little further in helping them to old whose actions saved her five overcome the shock they would year old brother from a serious fire undoubtably have suffered followin their house. Laura attributed ing their ordeal.

To arrange a fire safety talk at her actions to a fire safety talk she your school or organisation, conreceived from a firefighter.

We are always willing to talk to tact us at Westlea Station on 487562.

Fire fighters go for another three peaks climb Leading Fire Fighter Lance 'Fozzy' Forster, writes

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The 1998 Westlea three peaks team,fromleft, Tony Irwin, John Payne, Cohn Parker, Pete Newman, Ian Manfield, Lane Forster, Glynn Moody, Martin Lloyd

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At the beginning of 1998 eight members of the Westlea Fire Station, five walkers and thre support, decided to enter a team in the three peaks challenge. This consists of climbing the three highest mountains in Great Britain, Ben Nevis, Scaffell Pike and Snowdon.

The clock starts at the bottom of Ben Nevis and finishes at the top of Snowdon, and Includes travelling time between the mountains.

There were two reasons for our entry. We wanted to raise money for our two chosen charities, the Fire Service Benevolent Fund and the air ambulance Air Support Unit.

The second reason was to break the Wiltshire Fire Brigade record of 17 hours and four minutes.

With the entry form completed the hard work had just begun. We had to arrange sponsorship for a van, fuel, food, costs for accommodation during the event and money for the charities. Swindon companies and individuals were very generous and all aspects were covered, for which we would like to express our thanks.

We also had to prepare the walkers for the arduous task ahead. We did this by making frequent visits to the Brecon Beacons in Wales and running up and down Kingshill steps ten or more times per visit. All this made us physically prepared for the task ahead.

We completed the event on 25 and 26 June with a final time of 18 hours 56 minutes, which was slower than expected due to very high winds and torrential rain. But more important we raised £1540 for the good causes.

However as the record was not broken we have decided to enter the event again in June 1999 and hope this year's experience will enable us to be faster. Our chosen charities are the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund and Fire Fighter Tom Perkins, a member of the brigade who has been severely injured making him unable to continue his career.

Any company or individual wishing to make a donation, please contact me at Westlea Fire Station nn 487562.

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

Pre-teens success The first term for a pre-teens group at West Swindon Family Project has generated a high demand for places in January.

The programme is aimed at children in school years 6 and 7 and offers support during the potentially difficult transitions from childhood to adolescence, from primary to secondary school. The group's general view is: 'it's great.'

Family Project pre-teens, from left, Nathan Barlow, Robert McGill, Natasha Rue. Front, Lucy Ponniah "It's like you're in someone else's house - definitely worth coming to," said Lucy Ponniah.

Natasha Rue elaborated, "at first I thought it would be boring. But I like joining in with people. It's somewhere nice to come instead of playing in the street."

Nathan Barlow and Robert McGill agreed that the group is 'a lot of fun' and 'not at all like school'.

The children love to let off steam in the 'ball-pit', dress up and cook.

They also welcomed the opportunity the group gave them to 'talk about anything'. Topics covered, largely initiated by the children, included bullying, drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes), sexism, and stealing. But, invariably, the most contentious issue is what to eat at the following session.

To find out more or put your child's name down for the Spring or Summer term, call Mark or Alison on 871303.

The Link Magazine' December 1998

New group for victims of sex attack Positive Steps - a support group for women who have been raped or sexually assaulted as adults - will be starting a new group in January.

The group run by Victim Sup- their fears and problems. It also port Wiltshire offers women an provides a confidential source of opportunity to meet others who support and understanding. have had similar experiences. It After a sexual attack women may gives women the chance to discuss be left feeling powerless. There may be anxiety about sexually transmitted diseases, changes in sleeping patterns, nightmares, Visible Women flashbacks, problems with eating, plan for conference problems with relationships and A lunch and exhibition aimed at terrible fear of another attack. women from ethnic minority To know that they are not alone groups as part of the Visible and that others have been through Women campaign was held at the and survived the experience can Broad Green Centre on 12 No- help. vember.

To find out about joining, conOrganised by Swindon Racial tact the Victim Support office on Equality Council (SREC), the event (01380) 729476, Monday to Friday aimed to bring women together to 9am to 5pm. find out about local services. Also Or telephone the Rape Support on display was the Fairplay Exhi- Helpline on Swindon 541144, Tuesbition on successful ethnic minor- day and Thursday 7pm to 10pm, ity women. and Sunday 2pm to 6pm.

Joanna Mytalas Scanlon from A woman from Victim Support SREC said, "wewere delighted that will meet anyone who would like so many women turned up to the to join the group to discuss their exhibition. We hope they will help needs and identify an appropriate us form a network in Swindon, source of support. taking us forward to the Visible Victim Support also offers home Women Conference in March." visiting for those women who The national campaign aims to would like to talk privately about publicise the concerns of ethnic their experiences. minority women, increase awareness of the barriers they face and dispel stereotypes, showcasing successful role models.

For information on the campaign and local events, contact Joanna on 528545.

• Mechanical

Embroiders Christmas get together The Swindon & North Wilts Branch of The Embroiders' Guild are holding their Christmas meeting on Monday 7 December at Churchfields School from 730pm to 930pm.

Everyone is welcome, admission is £3. Call Maggie Harrison 720097 for more details.

OL

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40

The Link Magazine. December 1998

THE LINK MAGAZINE UNDER 5s SURVEY

Where have all the children gone?

Toddler groups and pre-schools throughout West Swindon are struggling to survive, with fewer and fewer children on their waiting lists.

It is not clear why this is the case.

Children can now start school in Link & Learn Pre-School, the only the academic year in which they pre-school in West Swindon offerare five, although parents may opt ing sessions for 2 to 3 year olds still Please complete this questionnaire and return it to the address below to use their vouchers, available has spaces available for January, from the term in which a child is an unprecedented situation.

You could win a £10 gift voucher four, for nursery or pre-school eduTo help volunteer run parent and cation until they reach five. toddler and playgroups find out if you choose to give your name and address.

Swindon Council has opened what parents, carers and their chilfree 52 place nursery classes at Salt dren need, The Link has put toI am: a parent L1 a guardian D a childminder LII Way and Toothill Schools; another gether a questionnaire.

I look after children aged under 5. Their ages are opens at Oliver Tomkins Infants in Please return it to The Link by 31 January. This has had an impact December and you could win a I live in West Swindon El Haydon Wick/Abbey Meads El on pre-school groups. £10 gift voucher.

But numbers at toddler groups, Many thanks for your help. We Another area (please specify) which generally cater for under- will publish our findings in the threes, are continuing to dwindle. February edition.

How do you find out what is available for under 5s?

What do parents want for pre-school children?

Fun in Lydiard Park: aflashback to the late 1980s when there was an annual Under 5s Festival in West Swindon

Would you find a local information booklet useful? YES / NO My child(ren) attend(s): Please indicate how many hours per week Toddler group

Pre-school (playgroup)

Day nursery

Nursery school

Creches

Childminder

Do you value traditional toddler groups (where the parent stays with the child)?

YES / NO

I prefer a) a structured environment with organised activities OR

b) an unstructured, social group

How much are you prepared to pay to attend a toddler group? £ How far are you prepared to go to attend a toddler group?

Giving Your Child The Best In Quality Education

miles

If your child goes to pre-school or nursery school, is it free? YES /NO Are you prepared to pay for pre-school provision? YES I NO My child(ren) take(s) part in other activities: please indicate how often

Ridgeway Pre-School Inverary Road, Wroughton

Classes: e.g. toddler gym, swimming, dance times per month Commercial indoor play facilities, ball parks, etc

times per month

Other (please specify)

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Do you think there are enough facilities for under 5s? YES I NO If not, what else would you like to see?

Quality education and childcare for 18 months to 5 years Open 50 weeks a year, 8am-6pm Full range of schedules available

If you have any further comments, please write below

Attach a separate sheet if necessary.

Please return this survey by 31 December to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 71313 To enter the draw for a £10 voucher, please give us your: Name Address

Qualified teachers following the nursery outcomes ff for learning A nursery with , no weaknesses in

Please contact Mrs G Simonds \ any curriculum area' on(01793)845572 /4 following our (Mrs Simonds is a trained nursery inspector)

.(

OFSTED inspection

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our parents and children

The Link Magazine. December 1998

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

41

Too young for school?

A Panorama documentary in early October condemned sending children to school at four. Haydonleigh Primary School headteacher, Jon Swaffield, disagrees and invited Link writer Tanya Parkinson to visit its Early Years Unit to find out why.

"Our first topic this term was adding a real sense of school comnursery rhymes, a theme which is munity," said Mr Swaffield.

He stresses children's education inviting and familiar. It opens up opportunities to work in groups must be a partnership with parand learn about using scissors and ents; it is important learning is fun at home as well as at school. making patterns.

"We have an open door policy.

During the day the children can hold 'Newsbunny and watch his Any parent is welcome to visit and ears twitch as they tell him their talk to the teachers in the unit."

The pros and cons of early years news. "No child is forced to speak, they know they can justpassbunny education are bound to continue.

Early years teacher Teresa Thompson Yet the enthusiastic and relaxed on," stressed Becky. working with Phillip Merritt There is a tent in which small atmosphere at Haydonleigh School groups of children play, use their is certainly infectious. imaginations and invent their own games. Oulside the reception classrooms is a starboard but Beckydoes not believe it puts undue pressure Nursery & Pre-Prep on children. "Our expectation is based on the individual. One child Individual Care may have learnt to hold a pen corIndividual learnin rectly for the first time, another at Prior Park may have written his name. We praise the each child's achievePreparatory School ments. If the whole class has Cricklade, Wiltshire worked well we all give each other For children aged 6 months to stars."

The school is also proud of its 7 years (out of school and holiday provision 7.45am - 6.30pm) very successful book buddy system, in which older children read Please call Shelagh Hanbury B.Ed (Hons) to the younger ones and hear them Rajvindar Kular B.A (Hons) read. "These children often beTel: (01793) 752600 come role models and mentors Drama group takes off In September the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy arrived in the Link Centre. The places available in these drama classes were taken Tumble Tots is Britain's leading national in the first week, the response being so overwhelming. active play programme, for children from The academy is now reaching want to join that another studio is 6 months to 7 years. Our structured play the end of the first term, and the being opened in West Swindon at is specially designed to build your child's classes have gone from strength to Greendown School. self-confidence and self-esteem through: Anew youth theatre is also startto strength. The children have had a great time, joining in the activi- ing at Greendown, offering a Developing physical skills of agility, balance and co-ordination. stimulating, challenging and exties with enthusiasm.

Developing language with action songs and rhymes.

The programme offered by the citing drama curriculum for 12 to Trained staff and specially designed Tumble Tots equipment. academy is one of self-develop- 17 year olds.

Great fun, with more than 60,000 Tumble Tots members and Studios are being opened in the ment, it's main aim being to give children more confidence and self- Haydon Centre, Haydon Wick, and 450 centres in the UK. esteem. All of the activities are in Cricklade, offering places for Al drama and movement based so children of primary school age.

If you would like to know more, any young person who loves beFor more information on your nearest centre, ing creative and who enjoys being or perhaps you tried to get a place active will have a wonderful time in September and were unsuccesstelephone Site Dobson on 01235 868119 ful, contact the Principal, Jenny Upper Shaw - Thursday, Covingham -Wednesday, Upper Stratton- Tuesday at the classes.

So many primary age children Hatch, on 01672 520528.

The four class Early Years Unit at the school welcomed an intake of 87 four year olds in September.

Each class has one teacher and one educational support assistant. The largest has 23 children.

Critics of such early school entry say children should be able to play and develop their social skills without pressure or stress.

Teacher Becky Breadmore accepts that starting school at any age represents a major change of environment, but she insists the emphasis at the Early Years Unit is very much about learning through play. 'We do not teach children using a chalkboard approach; we want them to feel comfortable here,' she said.

'There is a gradual induction to school life, which all children undertake together. The reception classes have their own playground to avoid any feelings of intimidation. School is better resourced than volunteer run groups and Early Years staff are able to draw on the expertise of others in the school.

"We are able to keep the benefits

of pre-school, whilst fine tuning and moving children on in a nonthreatening environment."

Whilst talking to Becky, her class were enthusiastically making a large picture of Humpty Dumpty, using tissue paper and glue. Mr Swaffield, was helping out and the children were clearly very relaxed in his presence.

0001

Jenny Hatch, rear left, and new drama teacher Lorraine Crook, with the lower primary class at the Link Centre

DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DRAMA! Our drama programme is designed to develop ongoin confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.

Children find our classes fun and highly motivating and parents everywhere are delighted with the results

PRIMARY CLASSES:

Become involved in our stimulating Theatre Arts programme for 12-17 yr olds

YOUTH THEATRE:

CHILDREN'S DRAMA

ACADEMY

Classes now enrolling at: Swindon Link Centre, Croft Sports Centre & Wroughton NEW studios opening in Hayden Wick, Cricklade & West Swindon (Greendown School)

Helen O'Grady CHILDREN'S DRAMA ACADEMY For further details please phone:Principal Jenny Hatch

on 01672 520 528

42

The Link Magazine' December 1998

Shakespeare Festival features on radio documentary West Swindon's festival of Shakespearian studies is becoming nationally recognised with exposure on Radio 4 in December.

The half hour programme on tensive phase. Jack Greene, who 560 children will attend a series of Project coordinator Greendown Wednesday 9 December, 11am, plays an Elizabethan Pedlar spent performances by the Salisbury teacher Tim Noble said the play called Golden Lads and Girls, looks a day in each of the participating Playhouse and Sixth Sense Thea- gave schools the chance to study at how Shakespeare is being taught schools in the last week of Novem- tre Company. other subjects. "Apart from its in different parts of the country. ber and The Tempest will be staged Radio 4 presenter Phillippa themes of revenge and forgiveness, The bard features strongly in the at Westlea and Greendown before Richie spent a day recording in The Tempest was written soon afLiteracy Hour introduced by the Christmas. Tregoze primary is November and was impressed by ter the discovery of the Americas.

Government from September. putting on a production in March. what she saw. "It is very impres- The first line that Miranda says is, Hundreds of children at West On 19 November, a group of sive how young children are un- 'Oh brave new world that has such Swindon primary schools and parents took part in a workshop to derstanding and appreciating people in it.'

Greendown School are learning find out more about the play and Shakespeare's language and act"History, geography and human lines to put on performances of had a go at directing a scene with ing it out with such enthusiasm." relations are all part of the study."

The Tempest or taking part in year 7s from Greendown. workshops. The festival, sponOn 4 December Swindon South sored by National Power and WH MPJulia Drown will visit a teacher Smith, is moving into its most in- training workshop and in January

You need to visit

Prior Park Preparatory School to discuss how affordable fees provide / Education for boys and girls / Computing at the forefront of aged 7to 13 technology / Day or boarding option / A strong sports tradition / Outstanding academic results / Regular music and drama (45 academic, music, art & sports performances awards in past 4 years) / Full after-school provision / Learning Support Unit / A welcoming Christian (CreSTeD approved) environment Please ring the Headmaster. Gerard Hobern, for a copy of our new prospectus and to arrange a visit.

PRIOR PARK PREPARATORY SCHOOL The Manor House, Cricklade, Wiltshire Tel: 01793 750275 or Fax: 01793 750910

An assemblage of Mirandas. The six youngsters who will play the leading role in local school productions of The Tempest. Front from left, Danielle Moreton from Westlea School, Natalie Hughes from Greendown School, Laura Howe from Westlea School. Rear: Rachael Cejer from Greendown, Catherine Moore and Leanne Berrisford from Tregoze School

THERE1 MORE TO GROWTH THAN GETTING TALLER!

THEATRE EXPRESS HELPS GROWTH & DEVELOPS POTENTIAL Spring Term starts 9 January 1999 Theatre Express Performing Arts Schools & Theatre Company, has openings at its NEW performing arts school, to be based at GREENDOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL, SWINDON Our school runs on Saturdays, during term time, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm Theatre Express is fun! It also helps develop: self-co,fidence, self .esteem, articulation, imagination, co-ordination, expression, and other important life skills Theatre Express training is designed for 5 to 16 year olds. They come together in three age groups (maximum of 16 per group), working for one hour with experienced tutors in each of the disciplines of Acting, Singing, & Dance Would you like your child to enjoy exciting weekends, with the opportunity to join a like-minded group of friends, and to have the advantage of developing skills that will aid through life?

Then, don't wait or hesitate!

Contact Theatre Express now for a Prospectus. Tel/Fax: 01608 - 676024 Or, write to: Theatre Express, P. 0. Box 94, Chipping Norton D. 0., 0X7 3YL • e-mail: expressl@globalnet.co.uk

Christmas Gift that lasts for life!

See us on the net © www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • December 1998

Millennium awards to boost family learning Following Swindon College's slashing of their Family Literacy Programme due to poor take-up, it seems some families in the town could be left out of the education race.

However the Pre-School LearnClosing dates for the next two vulnerable and lack confidence ing Alliance has been awarded al- rounds are 1 February and 1 May. Priority will be given to projects Projects receiving awards in involving people on a low income, most £2.8 million by the Millennium Commission from the Na- other parts of the country include: or those who are isolated, excluded tional Lottery to support family • someone who wants to organise or disadvantaged. The awards can learning. Wiltshire is being tar- a parenting course for young peo- pay for a range of costs including geted to receive grants after a low ple and a support group for the childcare, transport, publicity and initial response in the county. parents of teenagers workshop or course fees.

Applications for Family Learn- • dads who want to develop and For more information about the ing Millennium Awards are being increase fathers' involvement in scheme or an application pack, call invited from individuals or infor- supporting children's learning Ruth Cochrane on 0117 922 1919 or mal groups for grants of £1,500 to • a group of three young mothers write to her at Family Learning £10,000 to develop family learning who want to set up a group for Awards Area Office, 54 Parl Street, others like themselves who feel Bristol BSI 5JN. projects of all kinds.

43

PERSONAL TRAINING Get up to speed with report writing, handwriting for application forms, grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Call 01793 870533 Primary, Secondary & Adult TUITION ALL SUBJECTS ALL AGES PREMIER TUTORS 01793-814354 Best Value Best Results -

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Time slips away amongst the 1000s of books on our shelves An old fashioned bookshop for customers who like things the way they used to be with a standard of service for today Victoria Bookshop, 30 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon Tel: (01793) 527364

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Quality Gifts & Paintings make Ideal Christmas Presents INTERIORS & FIREPLACES 65 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon

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OCCASIONAL FURNITURE FIRESIDE CHAIRS

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for DIAMONDS DEACON & SON (SWINDON) LTD EST 1848 The Jewellers of Old Town 11- 13 WOOD STREET SWINDON Telephone 522072 and 527530

44

SERVICE SECTOR

ACCOUNTANCY SAVE £100 PENALTY!

AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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Have your 1997/98 SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN filed before 31/1/1999

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Fast friendly service

SERVICES

For a free quote & a competitive price,

• Business Start-Up • Book-Keeping • Annual Accounts

Tel/fax: 01793 871790

call 01793 528519 AUTHORISED AGENT

BUILDING SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING

Hall & Son Ltd

GARY CURTIS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Free initial meeting

A reputation built on quality Traditional carpentry & building services Kitchens, loft conversions, stairs, doors, building work, bedroom fitments, domestic & commercial works undertaken Free, no obligation quotations

Call 01793 644313 or 0468 271994

0 Furniture moved and replaced on protective pads 0 Trained, professional, fully insured local operator (D Satisfaction guaranteed

o Stain removal treatment Also pressure cleaning of walls and patios Car & caravan valeting November special: 50% off normal prices

Tel: 01793 700700 or 751061

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DRIVER TRAINING

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Computerised theory training makes learning easier and more ENJOYABLE! Awarded Top Three - Times supplement training awards for 1997 Covers the full DSA Syllabus Start before your 17th Birthday Used by many local driving schools Full 8-10 hours of supervised training that could cost less than a driving lesson

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From a 13 amp fuse, cleaner bag or consumer unit to fridges, freezers or vacuum cleaners , we offer a fast, efficient and personal service.

Only 5 minutes from West Swindon Ample free parking

Call us FREE 0800 146 455

SUNBED HIRE

TV & VIDEO REPAIRS

Deb's Sunbeds Home ____ Rental Fast tanning canopies -with or without facial boosters Doubles also available Free installation & local delivery

Tel: Swindon 421665 anytime (Mobile 0378 - 641052)

01793 - 643785

Tel: 526656 or 827804

Washing Machines Tumble Driers Twin Tubs, etc.

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

CONSERVATORIES CRYSTAL CONSERVATORIES

DECORATOR

Flooring, Electrics, Plasterwor :1 all inclusive _. in our quotes

PECQRATQRS

For details, call 01793) 616333 or 434019 after 5pm

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Tel: 01793 701394 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Ceramic tiling Coving. Dade rails IN No job too big or too small Free estimates and friendly service ODD JOBS

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YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

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To find out more,

WASHCAR E

Repairs to most makes of: / Washing Machines / Dryers / Dishwashers / Microwaves / Vacuum Cleaners John Phillips Servicing 25 years experience All work guaranteed No VAT to pay

Same day, local service wherever possible

man that can for all your painting & decorating, glazed tiling,kitchen fitting, carpentry, coving, property maintenance Tel: 01793 877859 or 0836 799614

THE ODD JOB MAN Small building work, carpentry, joiner)', painting & decorating, fitted wardrobes and kitchens, plugs and washers fitted "No job too small" Very reasonable prices Free estimates Call Tony, the Odd Job Man on 01793-886022

TV REPAIRS V & VIDEO

Advice to all tele-addicts.

Don't miss out on all those great Christmas films and TV features. Have your video serviced in good time.

Also repairs to TVs, videos, satelite, microwaves, audio equipment & in car hi-fi's.

Free estimates

30A COUNTY ROAD, SWINDON Tel: 01793 423371 • Mobile 0976 752073 A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from us to all of you

NORMAN GRAW TV & VIDEO SERVICES TV, VIDEO & SATELLITE REPAIRS NO CALL OUT CHARGE ALL REPAIRS GUARANTEED For a local efficient service, Ring Swindon 643350

The Link Magazine. December 1998

BUILDING SERVICES D&HDIXEY BUILDING CONTRACTORS General builders extensions, alterations, plastering and pebbledashing, roofing - flat or pitched PVCu cladding & guttering

10 year guarantee, grant work and insurance claims 30 years experience Tel: 01793 524359 Mobile 0378 912 424

DECORATOR

Professional painter, decorator & ceramic tiler All interior and exterior work undertaken

For free estimates call Paul 1 on Tel: 0179382 3606 or 771628 PLUMBING Quality Plumbing & Heating

Link article prompts Lions Air Ambulance donation Thanks to a story in last month's Link, Swindon Lions presented a £1,000 cheque to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal at their meeting on Monday 16 November.

Both Lions President Freda Troughton and Lion John West, had taken the Link article to their next meeting where it was decided to donate some of the money raised at their recent firework night to fund the helicopter service.

"It's one of the biggest amounts we have ever donated," said Freda.

Steve Chesworth, Air Ambulance Appeal Fundraiser said, "we're absolutely delighted that the Lions in Swindon have thought of the air ambulance and given so much money to a deserving cause."

Annually £160,000 has to be raised from the public to keep the helicopter flying.

If your group can help with fundraising or would like to visit the air ambulance at its Devizes base, Santa ready to roll contact Richard Brocklehurst on The West Swindon Lions Club's 01249 443939.

The new helicopter is due to beFather Christmas float will be out fund raising during December at come operationa' on 18 December. the following locations: Santa coordinator Saturday 12th, 9.30am - 5pm Sainsbury, Bridgemead Neighbourhood Worker Pam Sunday 13th, 10am - 4pm Pixton is keen to hear from anyone West Swindon shopping centre who has a santa costume for hire, from potential Santas, and also Saturday 19th, 9.30am - 5pm from anyone who wants to hire a Sainsbury, Bridgemead costume. Contact her on 465462.

Sunday 20th, 10am - 4pm West Swindon shopping centre Thursday 10th, 6.30pm - 8pm Greendown Playgroup Castleton Road area requires a term-time playgroup Tuesday 15th, 630pm - 8pm assistant for maternity cover Ramleaze Drive area from January to July on five Thursday 17th, 630pm - 8pm mornings, gam to 12.15pm.

Peatmoor area Call Alison on 879142 Tuesday 22th, 630pm - 8pm The Prirrnels area Somewhere in West Swindon, the main man is brushing down the reindeer

A professionally prepared will can avoid delay and distress for your family From £25.00 inc.

Home visit service from £35.00 inc.

Due to new funding we have vacancies for Play Assistants in the new after school club extension to be opened in January 1999 at Westlea School.

15-20 hours per week during the school term.

Experience of working with children (over 4) an advantage.

Closing date: 11 December 1998 Contact: Cherry Hobbs on 872380 for further information and an application form

REATIVE CURTAINS The complete service from ideas to hanging, all at affordable prices

NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER CONTACT:

Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hours a day. Only 19" high, non-electric, meter controlled.

Rent, lease, purchase. DIY sales & service. Salt delivered.

260 Ferndale Road, Swindon. Tel: 527172

WILL WRITING

The Andrews Partnership Tel: (01793) 642245

Westlea After School Club Extension

For a free estimate ring Christine on 01793 875869

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 0973 663367

Professionally drawn by

VACANCY

Hand made curtains, Roman blinds, quilted bed covers, Austrian blinds, cushions etc.

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

W LLS

45

Competition winners Bootleg Beatles Pair of tickets: Marian Houlihan, Bloomsbury Close, Freshbrook Runner-up prizes: Mrs A Onslow, Furze Close, Peatmoor; Mrs L Burgoyne, Firth Close, Greenmeadow; Mr M Hickey, Hughes Street, Rodbourne; Paul Naylor, Newcastle Street, Swindon; P Towers, Wensleydale Close, Shaw Hardings Restaurant A meal for two: Jayne Addis, Newmeadow Copse, Peatmoor

SPECIALISTS IN FIRES & FIREPLACES AT

THE

F

IREPLAC CENTRE

Visit our newly extended showrooms NOW TWICE THE SIZE

Showrooms at: Also now stocking a wonderful 1 Rodbourne Rd, Swindon range of gift ideas for anywhere in Tel: (01793) 612288 the home or for someone special.

46

The Link Magazine. December 1998

Jusi THE JOB Domestic Services Agency

DECOTEX

requires Domestic Cleaners & Ironers

Painter & Decorator

Flexible hours,

Specialist Artexing

good rates of pay Phone Jill or Sue on 861112

Tel: (01793) 791388

For Sale Raleigh cycle, black, suit 4yrs +, vgc, £18. Tel: 871169 Raleigh Splash bike with doll's seat, vgc, Suit 3-6 yrs, £30. Raleigh Bianca bike, Suit 6-10 yrs, £15. Tel: 882378 Gents Peugot Premier, 12 Speed racing bike, 24" frame, vgc, £40 ono. Ladies Peugot Premier, 10 Speed racer, 21" frame, vgc, £30 ono. Tel: 881291 Boys Raleigh bike, excel condition, Suit 4-6 yrs, £30. Tel: 871570 Gents cycle, drop handle, good cond, £25. Tel: 875914 Britax car seat, 0-9 months, as new, £15.

Tippee Toes bouncy swing, Still boxed, £12. Baby bath & Stand, £7.50. Tel: 700591 Silver Cross pram pushchair with rain cover, cosy toes etc, vgc, £55. Tel: 881579 Silver Cross pushchair with cosy toes, swivel wheels and waterproof, £50.

Cosatto pine, drop Side, cot with sprung mattress, vgc £75. let: 876359 Early Learning work bench, as new with tools and accessories, cost £30, accept £15. Tel: 882868 Fisher Price barbecue with food & accessories, as new, £15. Tel: 882868 Mothercare, extending nursery type fireguard, vgc, £12. Tel: 728732 Charlton trike with parent push handle, vgc, £25. Mothercare carrycot pushchair, raincover, vgc, £45 ono. Tel: 876324 Mamas + Papas 2-in-1 pram/pushchair 3 position lieback, front or rear facing, folds flat, hood, apron & raincover, vgc, £75. Tel: 881291 Nest Egg baby car Seat 0-9 months, exc cond. £12, changing mat, £2, Toddler toys all exc cond, various prices. Tel: 534426 Tomy high chair, adjustable height, removable tray, £25. Baby & toddler clothes, all exc condition, various prices.

Buggy liners x 2, £7 each. Tel: 534426 ELC red table & 2 chairs, £15. Little likes farm, suit 18 months to 4 yrs, exc cond, £5. Tel: 881362 Cot Cosatto Christie, solid beech in white, drop side & castors one end, coconut fibre mattress md, cost, £200 sell £40. Tel: 878415

For Sale Cot bedding: Broderie Anglaise duvet, matching cover & pillowcase, bumper, canopy & small duvet, 2 blankets, pram set, £10. Avant Naturally sterilizer. Tel: 771640 Baby walker exc cond, £10. Car booster seat, £4. Dining table booster seat, £3.

Portable high chair, U. Tel: 534426 First size Thunderbirds Sit-On pusher, £4.

Tel: 771640 Girls clothing 5-8 yrs, large box, £12.

Baby clothing to 18 months, £8. 3 padded pram suits, 6-12 months, £8. Tel: 771640 Burgundy pram/carrycot, mattress & pillow, Mothercare exc cond, £25. Tel: 823168 Little Tikes coupe car for up to 5 yrs, as new cond, £20. Tel: 879414 Stone Creek, size 6 brown leather Dr Martin style ankle boots, bought Debenhams, £40, sell £15, never worn.

Tel: 431299 Gents wool/cashmere short jacket, size medium, brown, £10 ono. Gents purple trousers, size 32, leg 32, £5, never worn, modern style. Tel: 431299 Girl's white ice skates, size 2: £20 ono, size 5: £45, good cond, nearly new. Tel: 849518 2 piece golf suit, navy burgundy, 100% waterproof, size M, £60. Electronic swing groover, indoors or outdoors, reads distance golf swing, £60. Tel: 878532 Adidas coat, Size 28", 7-8 yrs, approx, exc cond, £15. Umbro football boots, size 4, as new, boxed, £10. Tel: 487751 Ski suit, Campri, all in one, worn 2 weeks, looks new, lady's size 10, £35. Tel: 496802 Black leather jacket, ladies, size 10, modern tailored style, £30 ovno. Car seat suitable from birth, new covers, £15 ovno.

High chair, old but clean & sturdy, £10 ovno. Assortment baby clothes, girls/unisex, 0- 18 months, offers. Tel: 726188 Maternity clothes, size 12/14, mainly Next, excel cond, £30. Tel: 872829 Next boy's reversible jacket with hood, black, sleeves removable to use as gilet, suit 7-8 yr old, £10 (cost £30). Tel: 877986 Ladies ski jacket, size 14-16, worn once, £25. Ladies Ski boots, size 6, worn once, £35, good condition. Tel: 532129

Free Private For Sale & Wanted ads.-' Return this form to The Link, Papermakers House, Swindon SN5 713D by 14th of the month. Entries are subject to available space and are published on a first come first served basis.

Tel: Name & Address (not for publication)

L

Tick if you do not want your ad to appear on the swindonlink internet web sited

WASHING MACHINE, COOKER & MICROWAVE REPAIRS • Same day service • Guaranteed repairs • For a friendly, helpful service, call J Martin 1 Alnwick, Toothill

Tel: 694930

For Sale M&S girl's dark green warm lined hooded coat, age 9/10, £8. Boy's clothing, birth to 3 years, girls 5 to 8 yrs, from 30p. Tel: 771640 Braun Deluze food processor, variable speed control, grates, whisks, shreds, mixes, kneads, with citrus press & separate whisking bowl. Tel: 874523 Halogen hob & electric double oven, will separate, £35. Tel: 490589 Hotpoint slimline fridge, exc cond, £75.

Creda electric cooker, white, 1 yr old, exc cond, £150. Hoover Turbopower vacuum cleaner with tools & spare bags in good working order, £30. Tel: 872836 Coal effect gas fire, Cannon Caress, 5 yrs old, £125. Tel: 876124 Gas wall heater, little used, Baxi Brazilias slimline, Suit bedroom/cloakroom, includes wall duct. Tel: 881530 Electrolux Contour upright vacuum cleaner, good cond, £60. Tel: 772062 Phillips hostess trolley, used 6 times, as new, £120. Tel: 614556 Single fold up bed with mattress, vgc, £40. Single head board, beige, vgc, £20.

Tel: 879395 Solid oak bookcase, Thigh, 4' wide, vgc, cost £350 new, only £60, buyer collects.

Tel: 877454 Large double wardrobe with mirror on front, good cond, £25. Ikea tab-top curtains, mid-blue, fit patio windows or similar, as new £15. Tel: 873179 3 seater settee, exc cond, unwanted gift, modern design, dark red & green pattern, £150 ovno. Tel: 700254 Delux headboard fits 46" divan, white & brass metal, exc cond, £15. Double electric blanket, hardly used, safe & warm, £15. Pair of seat cushions, green, £5. Tel: 876862 Hexagonal glass top table & 4 chairs, good cond, £25. Belling executive cooker, fan-assisted with double oven, good cond, £45. Tel: 873179 3 piece suite, pastel shades, exc cond, removable covers, £250 ono. Tel: 874664 Fire & teak surround, new, £200. New double bed with draw base, £50. 2 wooden stools with cushions, £5 each.

Tel: 486199 Teak melamine breakfast bar top with side panels, Shreiber, £9. Filter coffee maker, green, Russell Hobbs, little used, £12. Tel: 692807 Pair of settees, beige, pink, green floral design, loose covers, good clean cond, £150, buyer collects. Tel: 693576 Gold look two tier trolley, £9. Ladies quality dresses, 22-26, from £3.50. Black & Decker leaf buster, GW150, £40. Tel: 771640 1955 beige dralon 5 piece suite, 2 corners, 3 single, use together/Separately, £130. Double & single matching dark oak wardrobes, £35. Tel: 771640 King size bed, Silent Sapphire, no roll together, incl dralon headboard, hardly used, genuine reason for sale, cost £500 will accept £200 ono. Tel: 870506 Chaise longue, pink dralon, button back, mahogany legs, pert cond, £100. Tel: 872836

Play the Piano earn to Sing Phone Swindon 695235 for further information

II II!

H III II III

For Sale Kitchen units, beige with pine effect trim, 8 base units, 14 wall units, 3 display wall units, 2 x stainless steel sinks & worktops, all clean, exc cond, £500 ono. Tel: 872836 Six high quality office chairs, blue with black frames, new, delivery available, £60 each, £300 the lot. Tel: 421665 Marble effect white fireplace, £100.

Fridge freezer, £120. Nest of 3 tables, £12. Standard lamp in small table, £5.

Tel: 421716 Oil painting on canvas of Renoir's wife, 31" length, & 21" width, also oil on board of flowers 18" width, 28" length, £80 each.

Tel: 771732 MFI corner TV & video cabinet, glass doors, drawer & video storage. £10. Tel: 693576 TV video unit good, cond, £17. Tel: 876518 Portable electric typewriter, Smith Corona XL1 500 with case & instructions, hardly used, £30. Clarion car radio/cassette as new, £40. Tel: 873460 Saga Mega Drive, controls, magazines, 16 games, inc Sonic 1, 2, 3, Aladdin, Taz, WWF etc, £60 ono can deliver locally. Tel: 876166 PC Saga worldwide soccer game for Pentium 90 computer or above, new, cost £30, accept £10. Tel: 882868 Sony stereo system, £150 ono. Tel: 886457 Midi system, Sharp: radio, twin cassette, graphic equalizer, turn table, exc cond, £20. Tel: 434354 Yamaha electronic keyboard, PSS 50 with adapter, £15. Tel: 873295 Rowing machine, Delta Manta model bought recently but hardly used (joined local gym), £30 ono. Tel: 881557 Singer knitting machine complete with collapsable table, instruction book & pattern books, £100. 2 volumes, 1 & 2 of complete works of William Shakespeare, £20. Brand new Blackwall's compost bine, green, 28" base, £10. Tel: 536254 Mr Motivator exercise walker, as new, folds away, cost £150, accept £60 ono.

Travel cot, still in box, cost £69 accept £40 ono. Tél: 874725 Vivarium 9 x 16, suitable small reptile or snake with heated RAD & thermostat, £15. Tel: 876124 Fish tank, octagonal, with extras, vgc, £20. Ladder leveller, new, still in box, £20.

Metal detector deluxe, vgc, £60 Tel: 881750 New tyre size: 165 x 13, radial (still on spare wheel), £15. Tel: 882892 Dog guard for Volvo estate, £175 new, will accept £100. Tel: 772062

Wanted Car share, West Swindon to Bristol centre to arrive 8.45 (hours 9 - 5.30), non smoking driver & passenger(s), required Mon to Fri. Tel: Gareth, 887068 (eves) Any item Mothercare Edwardian toys bedroom co-ordinates, particularly bedside lamp & changing mat. Tel: 701255 Braun Silk-E-Pil old style, with metal head, ex cond. Tel: 874450

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com

The Link Magazine • December 1998

47

Children in Need cabaret warm up A night of fun, frolics and frantic bidding at the Chinese Experience restaurant on 6 November raised over £3,000 for Children in Need.

Guest of honour, Swindon's Mayor coun Brian Ford was joined by three formerMayors,from left councillors Maureen Caton, David Glahoim and Doreen Dart, with Pudsey, the Baby Bears, performers Nicola Mapstone, second left, and Gemma Whitmarsh, right. Organiser Shirley Ludford, rear.

Over 200 people packed the restaurant for the £15 a head DesignerA-Cabaret evening to bid for acts to come on stage and perform.

Greendown School singers, the Baby Bears from the Estelle School of Dance and Irish dancers were a few who offered their talents.

Mini-game shows like 15 to 1 and Blind Date also raised money in the wild night of fund raising.

Personalities in the audience were drawn into the event, including BBC Wiltshire Sound manager Sandy

Red • ing ertise 0 tor Snon Q1%Jeill càght in /iindraising

Mime raising who performed a Celtic reel and Evening Advertiser editor Simon O'Neill who was roped into a magic act.

Organiser Shirley Ludford said the event was a spectacular warm up to Children In Need day on 20 November. "The support from individuals and businesses was tremendous, and the generosity as the evening went on was amazing. By the end people were dancing on the tables as well as the floor. It really was a wonderful event to get Children In Need going."

ë looking fd I ome thing a little differe or unusual, Ryans Gift & Furniture have constantly changing selection of Oriental, Ethnic and British furniture and gifts

14 Wood Street Id Town, Swindo el 01793 42252

A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from everyone at Optiplan

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Handmade

Opening hours: Monday to Friday lOam to 5.30pm Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 1 O.3Oam to 4.30pm

ALL OUR FURNITURE IS HANDMADE AT YOUR LOCAL SWINDON FACTORY Manor Cabinets plc, Kelvin Rd, Greenbridge Ind. Estate, Swindon

Tel: (01793) 423478

Kitchens

Also showrooms at Basingstoke, Farnham, / Reading, Thatcham & Windlesham

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ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS - ALL TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME

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MORTGAGE SERVICES Serving the community since 1987

Mansfield Begbie Associates

Mansfield Begbie Associates would like to thank all their clients for their support during 1998 and wish all Link readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

START 1999 WITH A NEW MORTGAGE; With over 10 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, you can be sure of an excellent service from Mansfield Begbie Associates First time buyers 5.7% (APR 6.0%) for two years (variable)

All Borrowers 5.95% (APR 6.3%) to 1/1/2002

For example, £50,000 would cost £223.25 per month interest only net of MIRAS (excluding insurance).

This is a discount of 3.05% for the two years. (Maximum loan to value 90%). No arrangement fee. No MIGP.

For example, £50,000 would cost £233.05 per month interest only net of MIRAS (excluding insurance).

This is a capped rate of 5.95% (APR 6.3%) to 1/1/2002.

(Maximum loan to value 85%) For example, 3 years fixed rate at 5.83% (APR 6.2%) to 1/1/2001 (with £500 cashback) and 7 year fixed rate 6.49% (APR 6.7%). (Maximum loan to value 90%)

If you already have a mortgage 100% mortgages now available for first and second time buyers NEGATIVE EQUITY MORTGAGES ALSO AVAILABLE

RE-MORTGAGE SPECIAL A fixed rate of 6.14% (APR 6.35%) to 1/1/2004. (Maximum loan to value: 95%)

SPECIAL DEAL AVAILABLE Particularly for first time buyers without a deposit Fixed rate at 7.8% (APR 8.3%) to 2/2/2004 Available with 5% cashback on completion

You tell us what your requirements are and we will try to provide the arrangements to suit your individual needs Mansfield Begbie Associates can arrange mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK.

For free advice and further information, call us now on

Swindon 772779 Representative only of CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC for the purpose of effecting investment business introductions only.

CORNHILL INSURANCE PLC is regulated by the Personal Investment Authority for life assurance and pensions business'.

Registered with the Mortgage Code Register of Intermediaries: No. 5151731 • Consumer Credit Licence: No. 222123 Credit broker tees of up to 1% on the advance maybe charged at completion depending on the type of product and credit period.Rate applied is 5 7% (6.0% APR) for two years. APR Is variable. Rates may vary. A written quotation on loans can be obtained on request. Only available to persons 18 years 01 age or over. Subject to status. Subject loourcurrent lending criteria, A 305% reduction applied to the oanable base mortgage rate, currently 8.75% Those applicants benefiting I mm this special discount who redeem their mortgage within hoe years from the date of completion will be charged an additional sic months Interest This charge Will be reimbursed it anew mortgage is then taken out with the Society Example: A mewed couple aged 30 years and 28 years, both nonsmokers, applying for an endowment mortgage 01 £50,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 31 January 1599 secured against a property being purchased for £55,000 300 monthly mortgage payments net of tax of £223.20. Monthly endowment premium of £74.96 Total amount payable £t 39.618 Calculated to include valuation lee £155. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term 01 the loan Maximum loan £150,000. The rate applies to loans up to and including 50% of the purchase price or ualuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable for two years. alter which the then currant rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75/ the Society Will require additional security. This is usually is the form of Risk Charge.

REMEMBER: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT