December 2003 Swindon Link

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A Happy Christmas to all our readers from the positive newsforce in Swindon Sculpture marks 20th anniversary for Westlea School

Town Crier shows off new uniform on page 2

School sends gifts to partner Peatmoor School and Swindon Family Church have sent out a huge consignment of clothes, toys. household goods. play and sports equipment to its partner school in South Africa to boost educational opportunities, and set up a community development project.

Story on page 8.

Children who packed the boxes for air freighting with members of Swindon Family Church

A steel sculpture built on site by artist Gordon Dickinson was unveiled at the end of October to celebrate twenty years since the first children arrived at Westlea School.

The proposal by Atalya Atherton to call the work Together was selected as its title. Story on page 14.

All together, front, Mandeep Nahal, Lewis Harris, Rebecca Bissex. Back, Max Read, Connor Moody, Louise Farndale

At Church this Christmas Carol and church services in West and North Swindon on page 47

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The Link Magazine • December 2003

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Swindon's man with the mouth, sprightly 72 year old Fred Ferris, has been presented with a new uniform thanks to sponsorship by Swindon Town Centre Management.

Based on the uniform of a Great on his dress when he represents Western Railway station master, it Swindon at calling competitions has been made by Brenda Dore around the country and was voted from outfitters Jensons of Gorse best dressed town crier in 2001.

Brenda said, "I'm used to makHill who celebrate their twentyfifth anniversary in 2004. ing wedding dresses and doing Embroidered emblems of the occasional alterations to trousers; GWR and Swindon Council have this is my first attempt at a cornbeen donated by John Stevenson. plete suit."

Unveiled in the Mayor's parlour, "My previous uniform was made by a costume maker and was quite Mayor of Swindon coun Derek stiff and heavy," said Fred."Brenda Benfield said he was very imhas made an outfit which is just as pressed. "Fred is certainly the best magnificent but is much easier to dressed town crier I've ever seen. wear. It allows me to put all my He will be able to shout Swindon's good name far and wide even energies into my calls."

Fred is regularly complimented louder and clearer than before."

Fred with Brenda and Peter Dore, right, with the Mayor and town centre manager Bernie McGuire

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Closed 25 & 26 December Closed at 9pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve WEST SWINDON CENTRE, SWINDON

A project to draw together families who have lost loved ones to suicide by decorating a Memory Tree of Lights at Kingsdown Crematorium in December has become a victim of bureaucracy.

The idea to light a tree, based on lights on the tree because it would similar projects in the USA, was contravene safety regulations if put forward by Jan Anderson from someone were to climb up a ladder Freshbrook, whose son Kristian and we were not allowed to have killed himself last November. She any glass on the site such as lansaid the focus of a tree was to pro- terns, nor could we place help and vide comfort to the bereaved, edu- information leaflets beneath the cation for others and hope to peo- tree. We could have floodlights ple whose lives have been im- under the tree - but as there is no pacted by the loss of someone who electricity supply, it would cost over £5,000 to do this." took their own life.

A.E. Smith and Son have agreed Unfortunately Swindon Council's demands for Jan to comply to host a memorial service for anywith a raft of health and safety one who has lost a loved one (in rules and regulations has made any way, not just to suicide) at the event too difficult to organise. their Queen's Drive branch on SatJan said funeral directors A.E. urday 6 December, 3.30pm. BeSmith & Son were willing to pay reaved families may bring along a for a marquee, plus hire of chairs memento of their loved one.

Jan hopes to form a local suicide and printing, but a simple idea had escalated into something that survivor support group next year. required huge logistics and major She said, "from speaking to funeral directors, the coroner and expenditure. " As a mother who wanted to do the police, I know that there are something with other people sadly many people in the area whose burdened by the loss of someone lives have been touched by the close, I have become overwhelmed tragedy of suicide."

Jan can be contacted at: by all the stipulations to hold an event," said Jan. "We could not put worldwriteruk@hotmail.com

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Council comes up with new local plan.

Views wanted Swindon Borough Council is asking for your views on the Revised Deposit Draft of the Local Plan to 2011 in a seven week consultation exercise which runs until 12 January 2004, writes planning officer Richard Bell.

The Local Plan will guide devel- tions were made to the allocation opment in Swindon up until 2011 of the Southern Development Area but at this stage, representations (SDA) between Old Town and the may only be made to parts of the M4. Many of these issues were plan that have changed from the raised when the SDA was identiFirst Deposit Draft. fied in the Structure Plan; The Local Plan is an important As the SDA will now provide part of the planning system as it fewer dwellings than expected by determines the precise locations of 2011, the plan has been amended development, interpreting the to reflect this change, the shortfall planning guidance of the Govern- being met on previously developed ment, the South West Region and sites and as part of a mixed-use the Structure Plan for the circum- development scheme at Coate; stances that exist locally.

• Other significant amendments This draft of the plan has re- include new policies covering adsponded to objections made to the vertisement control, nature conFirst Deposit Draft of the plan is- servation sites of international sued in September 2002. It also i mportance, meeting the needs of includes new and revised policies theprobationandemergencyservdealing with: ices and mixed use development • the allocation of land for a Uni- on existing employment land at versity of Bath campus at Coate. Pipers Way and Motorola.

This also allows for residential and • A number of new housing alloemployment uses and for an ex- cations are also made, mainly on tension of the hospital in this area. previously developed land in ex' A comprehensive scheme on this isting urban areas. site provides opportunities for synergy within a contained area, The plans can be viewed at two which is able to link well with the exhibitions at the Pilgrim Centre, Swindon, on 10 and 11 Decemtown centre; ber, 3pm to 8pm.

• the Central Area, which has been Officers from the council will be significantly amended in response available to discuss points arising to representations received and from the plans. Copies of the docuwith reference to the New Swin- mentation can be viewed free of don Company's emerging'Regen- charge at local libraries and also at eration Framework.' A new policy www.swindon.gov.uk covering developer contributions For further informa ti on call the in the central area is also added; Local Plans team on 466706, or • the large number of representa- mail: localplans@swindon.gov.uk

•. The h link Magazine 4•

•

The January Link will be printed before Christmas.

Please note the early dates below to book advertisements and for submitting stories for inclusion Published by Swindon Publications Ltd. Papermakers House, Westlea Swindon SN5 7BD Tel: (01793) 872282 Fax: (01793) 878189 e: publisher@swindonlink.com www.swindonlink.com Publisher Editor: Editorial:

•

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

It i s completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact. won a competition to name the Roger Ogle leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Tel: (01793) 872282 Swindon commenced in January 1994."

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

Registered In England & Wales. No 4513027. Registered Office. 130 Hgn Street, Hungerford, Berks. 0017 ODL. Printed by pcp. Telford

The Link Magazine • December 2003

5

Trapped in the Front Garden Last month The Link featured latest proposals for the Southern Development Area/Front Garden, but Charmian Spickernell of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), asks, how will people from West Swindon and from Blagrove access the Front Garden and the proposed railway station?

The application for the SDA safeguards land for a station on the south side of the railway. However, there is no bridge or tunnel proposed over the railway linking it with the north. From West Swindon or Blagrove, motorists will have to go round an improved M4 Junction 16, along Hay Lane and back into the Front Garden by a tunnel under the M4.

Two of the most important issues for urban extensions are access and integration. Neither will be achieved with the current plan. The 4,500 homes in the Front Garden will be cut off from the rest of Swindon by the railway line and the Old Town escarpment. In peak hours the route to Wootton Bassett Road along Redpost Drive will be for buses only. There will be a bottleneck at Croft Road. Despite the bus services, it may well be much

You could ask for this large greenfield development to he called in on the grounds that with more than 5,000 houses still to be built in the Northern Development and at least 2,000 from previously developed land, there is at least a five year supply of housing.

The need is to revitalise the town centre first to build a firm basis for the fuluf e.

easier to commute from the Front Garden along the M4.

If the Southern Relief Road ended in a tunnel or bridge over the railway to Blagrove instead of in a tunnel under the M4, some of the integration and access problems might be solved. So far the the idea has fallen on deaf ears.

Until Saturday 24 January you have the chance to write with objections to the proposals to Martin

Broken promises and the planning system Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth expresses her frustration at how promises made only a few years ago about the protection of Swindon's open spaces are being turned on their head

It is difficult to contain the anger I feel when Swindon Borough Council renege on its mealy-mouthed promises about protecting land next to Coate Water nature reserve from the ravages of the bulldozers.

When planning permission for the Great Western hospital was given, we were repeatedly assured that this was a one-off. The building was allowed as an exception to the planning rules. Yet we have known, for years, that developers have been queuing up to build on the remaining land between Commonhead roundabout and Coate. We knew that the hospital would just open the flood-gates.

Now plans have been revealed that land could be allocated at Coate for 1,800 houses, businesses, hospital extensions and the university campus.

In its latest newsletter, in support of the Coate scheme, Swindon Council states that'a comprehensive scheme on this site provides opportunities for synergy within a contained area, which is able to link well with the town centre.'

What rot! Where are the nearest

schools, shops and community facilities? Since when do college students need to be out-of-town rather than in the centre where they can bring life to Swindon?

So why should I be so upset about the prospect of losing this bit of countryside? Anyone who has walked down Day House Lane will know why. Perhaps it is the thought of the badger death toll; twelve died in the space of a few weeks when the hospital development destroyed their setts.

Maybe I feel a kindred spirit for Richard Jefferies who grew up at Coate over 150 years ago. He loved to roam the fields that inspired his writing on wild life. In his autobiography he poured out the intensity of his longing for abetter world - we have let him down, big time.

More than anything it is the knowledge that Coate Water is a national nature reserve and if I cannot get this area protected then I cannot criticise others far away for destroying their rainforests.

Whatever; I won't get mad. I will get even.

To find out what you can do to help, call Jean Saunders on 783040 or mail: foeswindon@hotmail.com

Trewhella, Swindon Borough Council, Premier House, Station Road, Swindon SN1 1TZ, quoting S.02.2000.

Due to the immense public interest the council's planning committee has provisionally booked the Wyvern Theatre on that day to consider the SDA planning application. If it grants planning permission the decision will go to the Secretary of State who will decide whether or not to call the proposals in.

You might also object to any decision being taken ahead of the public consultation on the Swindon Local Plan 2011 and the draft Structure Plan 2016 which lists the Croft Road - Hay Lane link for the first time. It is not in the Structure Ilan 2011.

There is also consultation on the draft Structure Plan until 8 December. Forms are in the libraries and at Premier House, Station Road. Please have your say; letters and comment forms do count.

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The Link Magazine • December 200 3

School road dangers to be discussed at area panel Pedestrian safety close to a West Swindon primary schools is likely to be discussed at Swindon Council's West Area Panel on 11 December The speed humps on Freshbrook Way Pat Rudkin from Langdale Drive, 1 p4 were installed in April following a serious # Freshbrook believes the humps have made injury to a child last Autumn. However, d^, --4 Freshbrook Way more dangerous. "It's their height has been criticised by drivers '' amazing what drivers will do to avoid the ltit-.. humps: I've seen cars with two wheels on who complain of personal injury and damage to vehicles. i^ the pavement, whilst motorcycles speed h" People who walk to Oliver Tomkins Infant r_ down the centre of the road. andJuniorSchoolshavecriticisedthecouncil "I support road safety but I question for not considering how the humps would whether tax payers' money has been best change driver behaviour and say there has spent on this scheme." been a major increase in traffic along • The West Area Panel meets at the Civic Traffic calmed on Beaumaris Road past the school.

Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon on ThursFreshbrook Way .Unless removed from the agenda, the day 11 December, 7pm. Members of the panel will consider a peti ti on sent in June by Rob Lovett of Rowton public can pose questions to council ors at the begin n i n of the meeting.

Heath Way, also affected by the diverted traffic, calling for an urgent p review of traffic calming measures. A report on traffic surveys of both edestrians still in danger on Langstone Way Freshbrook Way and Beaumaris Road will be discussed by councillors.

T lie haifcomp 1etedtra rc ff' ca 1mrng sch eme outst d eWest 1ea cS oo1 h went before Swindon Council's cabinet on 26 November.

Although funding was agreed in 2000 the long awaited project was only started at the end of the summer holidays and was not ready by the beginning of term as promised. Whilst curb build outs were installed, construction of two speed humps on either side of the school entrance was suspended following objections by residents who claimed the plans were not the same as displayed at a consultation meeting in January.

The cabinet were due to discuss a petition against the humps and a formal objection under the Highways Act. If the humps go ahead the area will become a 20mph zone. If the project is not completed as proposed, Langstone Way will remain a 30mph road and the council will have to spend just as much money to provide street lighting to the required standard to i lluminate the curb build outs.

Road safety campaigner parent Dawn Dolphin said Westlea children continue to be in danger, "Langstone Way is a 'rat run' for traffic trying The Shaw Ridge School Council decided on the events for Children in Need day. to get to Delta Business Park and Great Weste rn Way. The build outs Year 5 and 6 children made special biscuits to sell and many children and most now give priority to these drivers; one speed hump on the Whitehill teachers wore wore striped socks and dressed up their teddies Way side of the school is needed to slow cars down."

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The Link Magazine • December 2003 Charity quiz night in aid of the Abby Smith Cancer Fund

Peatmoor partnership expands to set up community education project

Teams wanted to take part on Thurs-

day 4 December, 7.30pm. Winners Lounge, Swindon Town FC Entry £5 (maximum of 5 in ateam).

Cash prizes and raffle for DVD player, golf clubs and bag and many

other items.

To enter call Richard Smith on 07782 348145.

Christmas stamps wanted Charlie Jarvis is collecting stamps for Swindon CALM (Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Movement).

Please send them to 14 Coln Crescent, Greenmeadow, Swindon SN25 3NA

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Peatmoor Community School's links with South Africa are being strengthened and widened by the delivery in December of a huge collection of educational materials and donated goods to Dihlabeng School in the mountainous region of Clarens, three hours from Johannesburg.

Peatmoor has worked with with the Army have arranged for videos and a newspaper they plan Swindon Family Church for the everything to be flown from RAF to produce to track how the donalast two years to establish educa- Lyneham to South Africa at the tions are used, both in the school and in their community." end of the month. ti onal links and children and parMark Thornett, pastor of SwinHeadteacher Terri Peacock said ents have sent large quantities of materials to South Africa. There is she had spent two weeks over half don Family Church, said, "the links regular e-mail contact between term in Clarens helping to set up a made between Swindon and children in both countries and last community project associated with Dihlabeng over the last two years year teachers from the school spent Dihlabeng School. "We hope to rent have been amazing. It's a pleasure a house where up to ten adults will to work with the children, parents a week there, With a Department of Educa- take courses in literacy and and staff at Peatmoor to develop tion and Skills Building Bridges childcare and development. I am the links. What is happening is grant to promote global citizen- really pleased that we've had five wonderful."

Although the Army is providship,Peatmoorhasteamedupwith sewing machines donated which Leadenhall School in Salisbury to will be used to make puppets to ing the air freight and Great Westwork on a series of projects over convey educational and cultural ern Packaging, Mailboxes Etc. and the next three years to develop stories in the district around MAN-ERF have made donations of boxes and bubblewrap, educational opportunities here and Dihlabeng.

"This is very much a two-way fundraising continues to pay the to help Dihlabeng School and its surrounding community. This partnership. The condition of the transportation costs to Dihlabeng term's project has been 'Reduce, grant is that everything we're do- and also VAT imposed by the recycle and reuse' and children and ing will be used in our curriculum South African government on imchurch members have packed and Dihlabeng will be sending us ported donations. about forty boxes of goods - everything from books and games, class-

room whiteboards and easels, Skate week to end with indoor competition

clothing, 5 a side football goals and pre-school play equipment, spectacles and several computer with screens. Leadenhall School has also co ll ected a similar quantity, and through their contacts

HE CHRISTMAS GIF BONANZA AT THE CYCLING CENTRE

Skaters will be getting together just before Christmas to show how much Swindon needs a permanent indoor skate and bike park. ` jA "' --t I1 , ^1 I ,

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A Sk8 Awareness Week, from 17 to 19 December, in the Old Railway Museum in Faringdon Road, organised by the Swindon Community Sk8 Project wi ll end with an 'Off The Rails' skate competition on Saturday 20 December.

Photos, videos and artwork to illustrate local skate culture will be on display, as well as the ramps to be used during the competition.

The day will involve practice sessions for skate boarders, inline skaters and BMX bikes as well as competitions.

Entrance to the Awareness Week display is fr ee, but there is a charge for Saturday 20 December: £7 in advance from Tower 12, Victoria Road, Old Town and Loco in the Brunel Centre. Tickets will be limited in number.

There will be a £5 registration

fee for those wishing to enter the competition, payable on the day.

Logo competition Swindon Community Sk8 Project is looking for designs for a logo which depicts the Swindon Sk8 scene. Entries no larger than A4, using no more than 3 colours should be sent by 15 December to 35 Cornflower Road, Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1SA with name and contact details on the reverse. Judging takes place at the Awareness Week.

The winner will work with a professional graphic artist who will help develop the design for use on Sk8 Project brand merchandise, such as headed paper, stickers, posters and T-shirts.

Swindon Sk8 can be contacted via www.supportswindon. fsnet.co.uk

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Example: A married couple aged 30 years and 28 years. both non-smokers. applying for a repayment mortgage of £90,000 over a 25 year term (300 monthly payments), completing before 29/2/04 secured against a property being purchased for £100,000. 300 monthly mortgage payments of £486. Total amount payable £145.999 calculated to include £199 arrangement fee. This calculation is based on the assumption that the discounted rate will apply throughout the term of the loan. Maximum loan £500,000. Rate applied is 4.1 % (4.7% APR) discounted tracker until 31/1/06. Rates may vary. The rate applies to loans up to and including 97% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is the lower. The discounted rate is applicable until 31/1/06, after which the then current variable base mortgage rate will apply. When an applicant is borrowing more than 75% the lender may require additional security. This is usually in the form of a Risk Charge. Rates correct at time of going to press.

General Insurance No. 6740

Incorporated in England and Wales - Company Number: 3217240 - Reg. Office: 311, Bollards Lane, Finchley. London N12 SLY

10 The Link Magazine • December 2003

Award winning author backs teenage fiction awards Top children's writer Gillian Cross, author of books like The Demon Headmaster and winner of three prestigious awards, visits West Swindon Library on 3 December to discuss the top five books chosen by teenagers across the town in the Swindon Libraries Fantastic Fiction 2003 Award.

Over the last two months young people have been asked to read the books on the short list which are: Noughts and Crosses by Malone Blackman Tightrope by Gillian Cross Voyage of the Arctic Tern by Hugh Montgomery HarryPotterandtheGobletofFireby

J.K Rowling Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah There will be two sessions, one for students from Churchfields and St. Josephs, and an open session at 4.30pm for all. Librarian Robin Griffiths is hoping lots of teenagers turn up. You don't have to Refugee

The BBC Big Read comes to a conclusion in December, but there is still time to read some of the nominated top 21 and also cast me your vote.

All the books are available free to borrow from one of Swindon's have read any libraries. Central, West and North of the books, have the top 100 and the top 21 are just come along and take part in available from Highworth, the discussion and meet Gillian Wroughton and Moredon.

Cross."

All the People's Network PCs in Votes for the favourite book can libraries can be used by library be cast during December at users without charge and have a www.swindon.gov.uk / fantastic link directly to the BBC Big Read fictionaward. The winner will be voting page. announced at the end of the year.

Gillian is impressed by the project thought up by Swindon's libriarians. "It's a brilliant scheme.

I particularly like the fact that it's not entirely school based and that the teenagers have selected the short list; of course I'm delighted that they've included Tightrope."

Mysteries of gaming at North library Staff from Games Workshop will be running two Games Club sessions at North Swindon Library on Tuesday 9 and 16 December, 4pm - 6pm.

They will be demonstrating what's involved in making and playing games and will supervise games for those in the know.

The sessions are open to teenagers who want to have a go, and also to adults interested in volunteering to help run a regular Games Club at the library.

Swindon's carpet

Rotter discussion

1 111 1 III [& :lUIel FACTORY WAREHOUSE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

www.lightingbug.co.uk

Wi^TS^^Ae

&o:5 6

el. to

• Professional spotting ( kits available Stain removal made easy

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• Probably the widest selection of lighting in Wiltshire

ill!Sn oc

• Fully trained & insured operators

* Leather suites cleaned & treated

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professional is ready to help

• Deodorising treatment Leaves carpets & fabric smelling fresh

Winners of the Swindon Libraries Lord of the Rings competition will be presented with the Twin Towers collectors edition DVD at a prize giving ceremony on 4 December.

Keen Rings reader Sam Kearns, 12, from Middleleaze won the intermediate quiz by knowing the volumes of the Lord of the Rings in

The West Readers' Group next meets on Tuesday 16 December, Robin Woodford presents an exhi- 7pm to 8pm in the West Swindon bition of paintings and prints enti- Library to discuss The Rotters tled 'Rural Images' at North Swin- Club by Jonathan Coe. don Library from 9 to 21 December. Anyone who has read the book is He will be supporting the GWR welcome to attend and there is still FM Christmas Appeal by donating time to borrow it from the library.

For details about the group call ten per cent of sales to this fund.

Robin's work can be seen at Tracey Dowling on 465554 or mail: tdowling@swindon.gov.uk www.robart.freeserve.co.uk

cleaning

* Commercial rates available

Ring fans win exclusive prizes

Big Read books free of charge

• Affordable prices

rF^lAlINSUPOC:

• Ceiling Fans

00MESTIC-

• Factory outlet open to public • Special discounted prices

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i Anti allergy treatment For asthma & allergy sufferers * Satisfaction guaranteed

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• If you can not find what you are looking for we will t ry our best to find it for you!

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• Our service to you is paramount Tcwn CenVC

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o n ^9.ti.:

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Trading Hours: Mon - Sat 9.30 • 5.30

Bank Holidays 1 0.00 - 4.00

Santa will be welcoming children to his Grotto on the Upper Plaza of The Brunel Centre from Saturday 1 5th November right up until Christmas Eve. Catch him early to make sure he gets your requests! There will also be entertainment ranging from choirs, carol singers, bands, to magicians and children's workshops every Thursday and Weekend in December.

Park all day Sunday for only 80p throughout November and December.

All the Shopping Hours you could WISH for...

Late Night Thursdays 'til 9pm Sundays 1 O.3Oam - 4.3Opm

Westfield SHOPPINGTOWNS

visit westfield.com/brunel

12 The Link Magazine • December 2003

Jo Jingles Fun with Music from the leading UK children's music group for children aged 6 months to 5 years New classes from January Abbey Meads: Tuesday a.m.

Sparcells: Tuesday a.m.

Peatmoor: Friday a.m.

Books stretch the imagination

Celebrate with Cre'8 Thames Avenue Greenmeadow

represented.

FOR DETAILS CALL VIRGINIA

01453 839464

Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings were popular characters at the Meadowpark Nursery dressing up day during a book week in November, but traditional figures of children's fiction like Robin Hood, Long John Silver and Alice in Wonderland were well

Call 520813 for your pre•Christmas appointment

Head ofpre-prep Sylvia Bird with Erin Beadle, Rose James, Harry Trelfal, Sam Tushingham

Mini-beasts make an appearance in Haydon Wick

Toad Hall Nursery Group =;; Full and sessional day care for 3 months to 5 year olds

Six year olds at Greenmeadow School were able to handle toads, snails, snakes and slugs when Paul Wheeler brought in a collection of mini-beasts.

=;; After school club and holiday playscheme for 5 to 12 years =;= Open 51 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm = Registered with OFSTED

^opD

liy<`

Situated in a large converted church building in Swindon town centre, Toad Hall Nursery provides a safe, exciting and stimulating environment for children to grow and develop. °rERY Ga° With small groups of children cared for by experienced h;;d^ id e& du. Ii y qualified staff, two outdoor play areas and a large hall for wet days, our nursery is the ideal setting to meet your child's needs.

For details and a prospectus, call Jane on 01 793 436432 or mail: swindon@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Pt nces^Cr js+j r ng since 19015

Princess Christian Day Nursery

Peatmoor Village Centre Shearwood Road, Peatmoor, Swindon • Quality care and education for 0 to 5 year olds 100 place purpose built day nursery

Open 7.30am to 6.00pm Ideal forparents

working P ^./ in the town centre • Safe dropping off area & car park r' ^ ), ((^^ Secure lawned outdoor play area • Registered by Ofsted We now Friendly and caring staff

wide nappies

u

c

rV911 U9

t anyt ¢ e

For further information on the nursery, or to arrange

a visit, please call the manager on 01793 887602

13

The Link Magazine • December 2003

Nursery is a product of consultation with children A new children's day nursery, Learning Curve, the first in Wootton Bassett, is nearing completion and on schedule to be opened in January.

Situated on the Brinkworth ` Road on the north side of the town, just a v

Day Care Nurse ry

f

don, Learning

t

- r ig Curve will be offering the high '' est standards in nursery education for up to 44

A one-stop shop for FREE information I

Quarry Road, Swindon Quality childcare and education from 3 months to 5 years.

Well established nursery with large, spacious gardens.

Open 8am to 6pm 52 weeks of the year. Full and part-time

short distance

from West Swin-

Children's Information Service

^^,^ ZSNFORM^ Tr^s x

O

Please call 01793 480780 for a brochure or to make an appointment to visit us.

'

children, aged

two to five years.

The nursery Caroline Rayner viezning building progress building was opened on 29 November and par- Malik with a group of children ents will be able to visit and meet aged three to six years.

She commented, "all our restaff throughout December. The first children will start at the be- search has shown that there is growing demand by parents livginning of January.

Learning Curve's manager is ing in and near Wootton Bassett Caroline Rayner who was previ- for a high quality day nursery. The ously deputy manager at Head- facility is also well placed for parstarts Nursery in Westlea and entslivinginWestSwindonwhich worked for several years at Westlea is only a few minutes away.

"We have taken the best profesPlaygroup.

The design of the nursery by sional advice on every aspect of local architect Viv Vines OBE nursery education to ensure the comes about after discussions by facilities here are as good as they Learning Curve proprietor Naida can be."

'^'

n

Why not pop in and see us?

1 3 Market St. Swindon Tel: 01793 541786 Email: info@cisswindon.co.uk www.cisswindon.co.uk

sessions available.

j

SWINDON

YV

NCMA Registered Childminder in Ash Brake With full/part time vacancies Non smoking environment Flexible hours • Fully enclosed garden Art & craft-outings-toys-books-cooking For further details, call 01793 703 642 or 07751 427 174

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Registered childminder Experienced 7 years Flexible, friendly, negotiable rates Available Monday to Friday for school drop-offs from 6am to 9am, and pick-ups from 3pm to 9pm Also available all day on Monday, Thursday.

Friday and weekends

UV Gel Nail Extensions & Nail Art Tel: 07968 206154 www.nai lextensionsbysarah. co. u k

Call 07957 166529 or 871466

LEARn . nG CU!!UE day nursery

NOW OPEN! Come and see our brand new purpose-built nursery on the edge of Wootton Bassett.

Housed in an exciting and attractive architect-designed building, with extensive outdoor play and garden area, Learning Curve Day Nursery offers a safe and stimulating environment for children aged 2 to 5. Set in a rural location on the edge of Wootton Bassett, we are less than two miles from M4 junction 16, and just a short drive from West Swindon.

â Open all year 8am to 6pm â Highly trained and experienced staff â Nursery vouchers accepted â Education Grant places available â Full time and part time places â Variety of planned activities For information telephone: 01793 851495 or visit www.thedaynursery.com Learning Curve Day Nursery, Brinkworth Road, Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 8DS

14 The Link Magazine • December 2003

Westlea celebrates twentieth year An outdoor sculpture called 'ToHeadteacher Suzanne Seaton gether' depicting an adult and said the most important feature of child by Gordon Dickenson from Westlea was its caring ethos. "As Purton was unveiled outside there are no local facilities we've Westlea School at the end of Oc- always been at the centre of our tober to mark its twentieth year. community. This is very much enClose by is a welcome arch at the hanced by the tremendous supschool entrance which was put up port the school receives from paron the tenth anniversary. ents, and also grandparents.

"The Friends of Westlea do a

reveal the real you at Slimming World Rodbourne

Community Centre Kathryn 871430 Tuesday: 9.30am & 6pm Toothill Community Centre Sharon. 527332 Tuesday: 6.30pm & 8pm Abbey Meads School Paula. 701442 Wednesday: 9.30am Gorse Hill Community Centre Chapel Street

Samantha, 723416 Thursday: 6pm & 7.3opm St John's Church.

Haydon Wick. Peter, 764684 £10 membership. £3.75 a week Phone for special offers

-,

tw /

wuHio

www.slimming-world.com

Pre-Prep Schf^ol 4-7 yrs Nursery School 2 . 4 yrs Baby Nursery 0-2 yrs Prior Park Prep School 7-13 years Holiday School

Gaye Webb with the oldest children who started with her at Catherine Wayte in 2000

From £2.50 per hour Nursery Grant Open 7.50am-6.00pm

Meadowpark School Nursery and

Pre-Prep School Calcutt Street Cricklade Swindon SN6 6BB Contact

Mrs S Hanbury or Mrs R Kular

Tel: 01 793

752600

teachers lived with families in the Gambia and an RAF helicopter on the school field arranged by a pupil.

"Our tenth anniversary a couple of years ago was great when so many former pupils and staff returned and I'm also particularly pleased that several teachers from Tregoze have moved on to become deputies and heads in other schools."

Mr Menham explained the time was right to move on so that the momentum of the school could be developed. "Tregoze is a school I would be happy to send my children to. And as I'm not far away I'll be keeping in touch."

Deputy headteacher Helen Swanson takes over as head from next term.

Menham has decided that it's time to move on from the school in Grange Park to become head of Wroughton Junior School from January.

Mr Menham, right, was pictured in The Link in early 1991, just before starting at the still-to-be-completed Tregoze which opened in September that year. He said that the vigorous campaign by parents for a primary school in the late 1980s laid the foundation for the dential weeks have always been so school. "We have built on the real enriching for children and staff, sense of ownership that had al- and the parents have organised ready been built by the commu- some amazing fund-raising events. nity for their school; with the ab- There have been exchanges by sence of facilities in the neighbour- teachers to Australia, an unforgethood, Tregoze has become the fo- table week when I and four other cus for the area.

"We've had so many memorable moments. School trips and resiCatherine Wayte head departs Gaye Webb takes her leave as headteacher of Catherine Wayte School in Abbey Meads at the end of term, three years after she opened the school with 125 children and twelve staff.

Now there are 332 children and had a wonderful opportunity to 35 adults working in the school build a strong team to take the and following a good Ofsted re- school onwards, and to make so port last December, Mrs Webb has many positive relationships.

"Parents and children are proud decided this is a good time to move on. She said, "there are no negative of their school and their support as reasons for leaving Catherine well as the goodwill of so many Wayte but after 28 years in teach- people beyond has been very reing and a head for fourteen, I'd like warding."

Deputy headteacher Celia Mesto do different things.

"Opening a new school is always senger will be acting head from a tremendous challenge and I've January.

Flexible fees

Meadowpark

i mpaired fully integrated into school life may gives a special dimen, \\\ sion to Westlea."

The school built for 270 currently has 350 childreninpermanentbuildings and mobiles. Numbers peaked at 420 in the early 1990s.

Tregoze head leaves to take on third school After 32 years in teaching, and twenty as a headteacher, Steve

Monday: 6pm & 7.300

greatjoborganisingevents which both raise a lot of money and bring the cornmunity together. " We've always tried to ': broaden the curriculum for ... our children no matter what their ability. Having children from our specialist unit for the physically

A Meadowpark is a well established thriving school with faultless DfEE and OFSTED

reports across the 0

7 years age range

A Conveniently located for Swindon and the surrounding area in a pleasant rural environment in the grounds of Prior Park Prep School

A Come and see why past and present parents believe we are unique

♦ Registrations being accepted for 2004.

Certain places available for 2003

15

The Link Magazine • December 2003

Season's Greetings staff at Cooper Chemist West Swindon Centre eT Ashington Way Pharmacy from the

Merry Christmas & A Healthy New YE from all at

SPARC]ELLS SURGERY MIDWINTER CLOSE PEATMOOR

® Ridge Green Ram leaze Drive, Shaw

F]RE,SHBROOK . 141. I RAI ]ACE

Tel: (01793) 874894

Brendon Ball, Gerry Davies and all staff wish their patients A Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year

y

Merr Christmas to all our patients from Dr D. Nowotzin, DrA. Dwivedi, Dr M Bhambra and all the staff

New patients welcome

ERRY

Surgery hours

Open: Mon to Fri 8.30am - 6pm Closed from fpm on Thursdays

ISTM Offering: Prescription collection service from West Swindon surgeries by Cooper Chemist & Ashington Way Pharmacy (Tel: 616840)

Tel: 881928

Also from Coopers: • Christmas gifts: fine fragrances, toiletries

• Ear piercing and allergy testing • Film Processing - 35mm & APS developing & printing one free 35mm 24 exp film with every 35mm roll developed on the premises

Tel: 872033 Open 7 days a week Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm Sat gam - 6pm, Sun 1 Oam - 3pm

Ashington Way, Westlea, Swindon Wishes you a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year from all the doctors and staff f Tel: 01793 - 614840

0 0

Thurs: 8.30am - 12.30pm

Freshbrook Village Centre, Freshbrook, Swindon Tel: (01793) 873044

John & Brigitte Wilkinson and Bob Bridgeman of Shaw Village Dental Practice and their staff wish all their patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

New private Patients welcome

p

^t

-^

v,Ll Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre /

ASHINGTON HOUSE SURGERY

0

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri:

8.30am-12.30pm; 2pm-5.30pm

Hygienist • Sedation Cosmetic Dentistry I mplants • Oral Surgery

9

Tel: 877422

Toothill Pharmacy Toothill Village Centre, next to Phoenix Surgery

Thank you for everyone's good wishes on the opening of the new pharmacy.

We look forward to meeting new customers and renewing old acquaintances

Tel: 01793 539701 Dunwich Drive, Toothill, Swindon SN5 8SX

PHOENIX SURGERY Dunwich Drive,Toothill Village Centre

MEDICAL PRACTICE Queen Elizabeth Drive, Swindon SN25 1WL We wish all our patients and friends a very Merry Christmas

(01793)600440

A Merry Christmas from Dr Peter Swinyard, Dr Anke Lehmkuhl and all at Phoenix Surgery

Reception open Monday to Friday lam - 6.30pm

Tel: 01793 709500 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk www.tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk

New patients always welcome

AKA as waA' ' u' ^JG°

tot e'

16 The Link Magazine • December 2003

School's art sets a national example Work by children at Windmill Hill School, Freshbrook is to become a centrepiece of an exhibition at a new education resource centre to be launched by the world famous Courtauld Institute at Somerset House in London from February.

Throughout the term Year 6 children have been studying great paintings by Rubens, Bruegel, Manet, Cezanne and Kandinsky and have been taken on three all expenses paid trips to see the works in real life with their teacher Mark Hazzard. Their art and craft work, and writing, now covers nearly every inch of their classroom.

The November Link reported on the school's excellent Ofsted inspection earlier this year which made particular mention of outstanding standards in art and the quality of display. In 1996 Windmill Hill attracted a great deal of attention, including a Link front page, when children's work on the Wilton Dyptch was displayed at the National Gallery.

Mr Hazzard said it was a great honour to be asked to work with the Courtauld Institute. "It's been a wonderful experience to be able to look in detail at some of the world's greatest paintings. They are such a powerful visual stimulus which has produced amazing depth of discussion by the children, followed by lively and inspirational writing."

Ten year old Holly Mills said her favourite painting is Manet's

cl

Folies des Bergere. "There is so much detail in the picture which you can write about. I kept thinking how amazing it was to see a picture that had been painted of a scene so many years ago. It was brilliant to go to the gallery."

Nathan Woodley was also awestruck by the experience. "There were all these famous pictures in this one room; it was like going back in history. I liked most the Ruben's painting Escape to Egypt which shows Mary and Joseph escaping with the baby Jesus. I really enjoyed writing about it and doing my own drawings."

Mark Hazzard with some of his Year 0 1iiiists The artwork has been delivered to London where it will exhibition be mounted ready for the opening guides for VIP of the Courtauld Institute educa- guests when the tion centre. A professional designer centre is opened. has been commissioned to produce Headteacher a guidebook for visitors to the cen- David Messenger tre based on the work by Windmill said he was deHill. lighted the high The children have been invited quality artwork to London in February to act as was being recognised again. "The children are tremendously enriched by Mark's work with them and it is a great privilege to be able to have the support of an organisation like Putting finishing touches to class work to be displayed the Courtauld Inat the Courtauld Institute Gallery stitute."

wdcoe

Young mathematicians get to grips with engineering principles James Butcher Housing Association provides a wide choice of quality, affordable housing for those in retirement in the Swindon area.

Tel: 01672 515622 www.jbha.co.uk

James Butcher Housing Association Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England.

A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R.

Wooden rods and rubber bands were the only materials available when education consultants Architecture Workshop visited Freshbrook School in November to challenge Year 6 pupils to design and build a bridges and shelters.

Year 6 teacher Nicola Anderton f said, "the day was a fantastic exploration ` into the practical ap- _§ plication of math., science and design technology. The children came uu with so many differ. . . ent ideas."

— y_ The winning bridge de_.____ signers, from right, Luke Venn, Tiffany Nicholls, Danie l Greener, front, Arny Lewis, with Year 6 teacher Elaine Crellin

' -

17

The Link Magazine • December 2003

Restoring Health

INNER SM1L

& Well Being

presents The perfect gift

•'• Reiki

Order a voucher or treatment before 31st January 2004 and receive 20% discount.

Holistic therapies including specialised pre and post natal treatments.

(APNT, IHHT, ICHT) Tel: 01793 724521 Gayle Please leave a message for more information or • to book an appoinment

\

v Indian Head Massage •'• Crystal Healing •'• Personal Coaching

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Phone Jane on 01793 701523 for an initial consultation

CHERRI ANN MATTHEWS II HHT FICHT Holistic Therapist & Reiki Master/Teacher Christmas gift vouchers available Call for free brochure EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - as seen on TV • Reiki Treatments/Courses Re fl exology • Aromatherapy Indian Head Massage Holistic (Swedish) Massage Holistic Facial Massage Tel:01793 871410 Mobile: 07720 635761

Free new patient consultation

Advanced Hypnotherapy, Stress Management and

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Want to lose weight; stop smoking; change your life; overcome anxiety, depression, panic attacks or fears; improve your confidence, sports, exam or work performance?

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Free Chirocheck always available IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: 0 Backache, Leg pain O Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain 0 Headache & Migraine 0 Sciatica 0 Sports Injury 0 Arthritis 0 Whiplash

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Call 01793 873451 to talk in confidence with the therapist or visit our website

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CHIROPODIST Advanced Reflexologist

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A truly unique treatment Call Beauty Studio, the only outlet in Wiltshire, on 870902 One and a half hours of sheer relaxation, ideal for stressed out, overworked people who want to switch off

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18

Old Town: a great place to shop

iiji CCijrttmas

9/3 oi&,1J

Co ffli^s ooNNY Twff The finest in Cantonese, Sichuan, Peking and South East Asian Cuisine

A Happy Christmas from the traders of Old Town Visit the oldest part of Swindon for a wide variety of unusual and individual shops.

It's the place to go for interesting gifts, designer clothing and jewellery, as well as unique items for the home.

BLAYLOCKS

ir ddion Trying to find that `something different'?

Then pay us a visit Gifts, toys and jewellery to suit every budget Open on Sundays until Christmas 10 Wood Street, Old Town Tel: 511099 www.dandelionswindon.co.uk

OLD TOWN HARDWARE HAS EVERYTHING

Fully Licensed

53 Devizes Road Swindon Tel: (01793) 521515

SLIPPERS The ideal gift Also a large selection

YOU NEED FOR THE HOME PLUS MANY SURPRISES FOR CHRISTMAS

The small business with a huge range and the old Limmex reputation (J

of mens, ladies and childrens shoes

Bath Road Corner Old Town. Tel: 534271

Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas

DEACONS DEACON & SON (SWINDON) LTD Established 1848 11 - 15 Wood Street Old Town Swindon Also at: 44 - 45 High Street, Marlborough

Pets Kitchen .^ Victoria Hill, Old Town, Swindon Tel: (01793) 527057 Open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5.30pm Full range of diets r (Royal Canina Hills, Beta, Techni-Cal, etc) • All medical, baskets, beds, leads, collars & grooming • Vast selection of cages and homes for all 20 years experience

14 Wood Street Old Town, Swindon Tel: (01793) 433331

Local free delivery

We bare birds, rabbits, guinea pigs. hamsters, cbincbillas..1lso raid Tropical fish a!rd aquaria supplies

Are you looking to purchase a property in Southern Spain?

We have a large selection of properties For Sale throughout COSTA BLANCA + ALMERIA MURCIA + COSTA DEL SOL Apartments - Townhouses - Villas

19

ArJ

NAWAB FABRIC FASHIONS

`

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Swindon's best fabric shop!

ailorine service & cw twin makint

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

25 Tennyson Street, Swindon (Naar the Health Hydro, Milton Road)

Win a ticket to the big top

Tel: 01793 611869

This year's panto at the Enders, leads the cast Wyvern Theatre spins away alongside clowns Tweedy \ from the traditionalstoryline and Alexis. circus perof Goldilocks discovering .; former Amanda Sandow the three bears' cottage in and BBC radio and TV vicar I --^ Rev Roger Royle. the forest to become an Swindon's ownPollyann elaborate circus adventure. y k Tanner and the Tanwood Goldilocks becomes the f j t Dancers help make up the daughter of a circus owner!

I ensemble. whose business is going / We're offering a family south and is sent off by a good fairy to recruit the fa;^ ticket for two adults and mous three bears as the ),.. two children on Saturday / star act. But of course she ' 13 December. 7pm. Send b >% t has to deal with the baddies 9 ^ your answer to this queswho plan to kidnap the ti on: what is another name bears for a rival circus. for circus? by 8 December, for Liam Dolan is Billy the * to The Link. Papermakers j House, Westlea. Swindon Circus Kid, Emmerdale's ^ r " Vicky Binn is Goldilocks and SN5 7BD. with your name. > ,^ _ Ross Davidson, ex-East VickyBinns with TweedyandAlexisandAmandaSandow address and 'phone number.

Monday - Saturday 10am to 4pm

p

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Singalong with the skaters Link Centre's ice show this year will see over 80 skaters performing dance routines to songs from the greatest musicals of all time. including Grease. The King and I. Oklahoma. South Pacific and Fame.

The big spectacular involving over 400 costume changes takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December, with matinee and evening performances on both days. Tickets are £4.50 for SwindonCard holders. £4.75 for non-holders. To book call 465435.

Getting ready to dance, back. Fiona Mackellar, Jan Miles, Naomi Miles.

Front. Megan. Patrick and Isobella Larkin

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20

Swirke Wide Lit Fest plans for 2004

Following last May's splendid and successful tenth festival, plans are now well underway for the eleventh Swindon Festival of Literature, 1 -15 May 2004.

Nationally-known authors and to write home about. range of literary talks, perform- each year as it plays host to bigger speakers already booked to apDuring its15 days. the festival, ances, discussions, and readings names and attracts a larger followpear include political diarist Tony described by Mo Mowlam as the at theatres, arts venues, libraries, ing. At every level, it has become a Benn. broadcaster diarist Joan best-organised in the country, will schools, pubs, parks, and even fantastic celebration for Swindon Bakewell, dreadlocked poet include the sixth Clive Brain Me- woodlands in and around Swin- of things well written and things Benjamin Zephaniah. eminent edu- morial Lecture. the now nationally- don. well said - something between a cationist and legal mind Helena famous Swindon Performance Festival frolics will start high on cultural communion and a literary Kennedy, prize-winning children's Poetry Slam competition. a chil- a ridge in Lawn Woods at 5.30am frolic. People have a great time, writer and author of Mrs Doubtfire dren's weekend, an evening of on Saturday 1 May with the ever- get together, meet authors, join in Anne Fine. author-comic Sean campfire storytelling, and a wide popular Dawn Chorus, where good talk, and make discoveries. It Hughes. professorial man of letearlybirds gather for a spring car- is very exciting." ters Terry Eagleton, and writer : The full festival programme will nival of poetry, song. storytelling. and international television perand dance, plus a good deal of be published in March. To receive sonality Clive James. , mayday morning mischief. early notice through the festival Also signed up is Mark Haddon Festival director Matt Holland mailing list, call 771080 or mail: whose new book The Curious said, "the festival's profile grows swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk Incident of the Dog in the.

Nighttime is set in Swindon and is nominated for the Whitbread prize for childrens books.

Due to popular demand Me Memba Wen (I Remember When) returns Negotiations are also underfor a repeat performance at the Arts Centre on Saturday 13 December, way with novelists Melvyn Bragg, 7.30pm.

Jeanette Winterson. Martin The evening of evocative song and drama is presented by members Amin, and To Parsons. and of Swindon's Black community, recalling some of their memories of broadcasting personalities foot- arriving in the town from far away. bailer Bob Wilson. comic Sandi Toksvig, gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh. and former chart '-^ topping crooner and Radio 2 '-r;; Swindon Ocotal Link holds its annual general meeting on 12 December.

DJ Jimmy Young.

7.30pm at the Even Swindon Community Centre, Jennings Street. k Of course, in true Swindon followed by a buffet and entertainment. ,! y Festival of Literature tradition, This will be a chance to meet some of the group who have spent three Tony Benn - to give his unique it will not just be famous names weeks in Swindon's Nicaraguan twin town Ocotal at the end of Novemthat make this an annual event insight into po/itics her and discover the work being done to strengthen the links There is no charge but organisers would like to know who might be attending for catering arrangement purposes. Call 495073 and leave a message or mail: r.heads@ntlworld.com

Extra performance for successful show

s

Pre-Christmas hands across the ocean

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Nicaraguan calls for a cut back in tea drinking A doctor from Ocotal is keen that English people cut down on tea and drink more coffee which her country depends on.

LeonorGallardovisitedthetown main crop is coffee. which is defifor a town linking conference in nitely the best in the world. Please October as a member of Swindon drink more."

Ocotal Link and Her visit also spent a day at broke several preSparcells Surconceptions. She gery with Dr said, "we have this Kandy Kandiah. idea that the British are cool and reShe also visited the Great Westserved but this is not so. Everybody ern Hospital, met the Mayor in his I have met has been friendly and parlour and took in the tourist atkind, and want to tractions closeby. help us. The Brit"We are always ish are very tolertold that the Britant and accept the ish like their tea," differences beLeonor. said tween people; I like "N i c a rag u a' s Leonor Gallardo with Dr Kandiah it a lot here."

Cultural exchanges The Russian Connexion brings together people of any nationality interested in Russian language and culture. Call 337113 or 491003 or 638210 for details about meetings.

Deutscherfreundeskreis. Schau doch einfach mal vorbei um nette Leute kennenzulernen, zu quatschen and zu kloenen, deutsche Traditionen and Feste zu feiern and Ideen auszutauschen. Wir freuen uns immer ueber neue Gesichter! Tel: 539808 or 337113

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Whatever your plans this festive season, we'd like to wish all our customers, past, present and future, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Here's to hoping you have a great 2004...

The Bloor Homes Team, Swindon

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www.bloorhomes.com www.buildingforthefuture.co.uk

Swindon Wide Wh cA t'S

22

Theatre

Music

Friday 5th, 7.30pm Ghost. Storyteller Cat Weatherill invites you to listen to a collection of dark and brooding tales swept up from the hearthsides of world folk tradition. They may be old, but time hasn't diminished their mysterious power ... £8.50. Brewery Arts.

Cirencester

Tuesday 2nd, 7.30pm Mike Smith Orchestra and Singers.

The Big Band returns with big bold sound. £14. Wyvern

Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th Acting our Age presented by Old Town Theatre Company. To celebrate ten years' of productions, OTTC looks back at some of the events of the last ten years in the wider world and locally. £5. Arts Centre

Tuesday 2nd, 8pm Dylan Project. A tribute to Bob Dylan with Steve Gibbons. Dave Pegg, PJ Wright, Simon Nichol and drummer Gerry Conway. Songs from the master performed by great musicians. £14. Arts Centre Wednesday 3rd, 7.30pm Raymond Froggatt in Concert.

Singer/songwriter Raymond Froggatt hits the road again on his Shanty Town tour. £11. Wyvern

Tumble Tots. We build confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Tumble Tots is Britain's leading national active play programme.

Our structured play fs specially designed to build your child's self-condence and self-esteem through: 3 Developing physical skills of ability, balance It co-ordination

3 Developing language with action songs and rhymes

3 Classes for walking to 5 years

For _ U_ from 6montps to walking

SKILLS FOR LIFE

A unique programme for children from crawling to walking giving them a chance to develop skills in a playful atmosphere

For details of classes call Sue Dobson on 01235 868119 The essential activity for children

renzure l

Pt

Come and say hello to Charlie, our

Family events and children's activities Friday 5th & Saturday 6th, 7.30pm Music, Mystery & Magic presented

by K School of Music. Wake up Santa, K School is back! Wyvern

Thursday 4th, 8pm The Blockheads return to celebrate their work with Ian Dury, above, as well as a new album. £15. Arts Centre Friday 5th, 8pm Colin Reid Trio. This brilliant young guitarist joins cellist Becky Joslin and violinist Buffy North for everything from swing era jazz . jigs and ragtime to modern classical music. £10. Arts Centre Saturday 20th. 8pm John Spiers and Jon Boden with a refreshing energetic twist to traditional folk songs and tunes on melodeon and fiddle. £8.50. Brewery Arts. Cirencester

Film Wednesday 3rd, 7.45pm Balzac & The Little Chinese Seamstress (12A) (Mandarin with English subtitles) Two city boys discover a cache of banned foreign books, and both fall for the village tailor's granddaughter, in this coming-of-age film set in rural china during the cultural Revolution.

Swindon Film Society Wednesday 17th, 7.45pm Etre et Avoir (U) (French with English subtitles) This warm and compassionate award-winning documentary follows the story of a teacher and his pupils over the course of a year in a remote primary school in rural France.

Swindon Film Society Swindon Film Society All films are shown at the Arts Centre; tickets are not sold in advance; film Society leaflets are available at the Arts Centre; join the society when purchasing tickets.

Lower Shaw Farm ^,,{^' Old Shaw Lane, Shaw

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Children's Activities Wednesday 3rd & Thursday 4th 10am to 12.30pm Fun on the farm for young children and their parents or carers. Follow the nature trail, feed the hens, collect

eggs, seasonal art and craft work.

Open seven days a week 9.30am to 6pm

GREENBRIDGE ROAD, SWINDON www.jollyrogerplay.com

A snack is provided and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.'

Free but places must be booked on 771080 Carols by Candlelight.

Saturday 13th, 6pm to 8pm See 'Christmas Music' for details

Saturday 6th, 6pm Johnny Ball presents The Living History of Science. Irrepressible TV presenter, children's entertainer and educator, Johnny Ball, gives this year's STEAM Christmas Family Lecture. Adult £6: child £4: Senior Citizen £4.50. STEAM

Sunday 7th, 10am to 12noon Creative Christmas Cards. Design your own card, or just decorate one.

Suit ages 5 and over. £1. Lydiard Visitor Centre - book on 771419 Sunday 7th, 2pm to 3.30pm The Holly and the Ivy. Try your hand at producing traditional Christmas decorations. Suit ages 8 and over, bring thick gardening gloves. Free but booking required.

Lydiard House Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Santa at STEAM. Lots to do and see including the chance to meet Father Christmas and have a ride on a mini train. Normal admission charges, STEAM Saturdays 13th & 27th Meet the Railway Workers. Join former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers as they bring stories of the steam age to life with practical demonstrations and accounts of their experiences. STEAM. Normal admission charges Sunday 14th, 2pm to 3.30pm Christmas Crafts. A variety of Christmas paper crafts to decorate your house and table. Suit ages 5 and over. £2. booking advised.

Lydiard House Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Saturday 27th to Wednesday 31st, 10am to 3pm Winter Festival. Enjoy the Science Museum's collections in a winter setting. Free. Science Museum Monday 22nd, 2pm & 4pm, Tuesday 23rd, 2pm The Nutcracker. Specially devised for children aged 5 to 12 years, the show features the music of Tchaikovsky with imaginative use of toys, automata, puppets and Christmas tradition which make it particularly magical. £5.50/children £4.50. Brewery Arts, Cirencester

Or ui I ecember

23

Pantomime

Christmas Music

From Friday 10th Goldilocks and the Three Bears starring Liam Dolan. Ross Davidson, Roger Royle and the Tanwood Dancers. Wyvern

Sunday 30 November, 7.30pm Christmas Presence. A carol concert with the Salvation Army. £4.

Wyvern

ues The Arts Centre. Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Brewery Arts, Cirencester. Tel: 01285 655522 Lower Shaw Farm. Old Shaw Lane.

Tel: 771080 Lydiard House. Tel: 770401 National Monuments Record Centre. Kemble Drive. Tel: 414600 Science Museum, Wroughton.

Tel: 846200 STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive. Tel: 466655 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon.

Tel: 771615 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Westonbirt School Tetbury, Glos. Tel: 01666 880333 West Swindon Library Link Centre. Tel: 465555 The Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

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Friday 5th, 7.15pm for 7.30pm Carols at Christmas with children from Crowdys. Holy Family and King William Street Schools. Featuring 'The Christmas Story'. Christ Church, Swindon. In aid of the NSPCC Saturday 6th, 7.30pm Swindon Choral Society Annual Christmas Concert. Tickets. £7/E5 from Arts Centre or call 529086. St Marks Church, Church Place Sunday 7th, 5pm & 8pm Kentwood Christmas Cracker. £8.

Wyvern Thursday 11th, 8pm Community Carols with Salvation Army Band. Admission free with retiring collection. Westonbirt School Saturday 13th, 7.30pm Wootton Bassett Christmas Concert. Seasonal music and carols.

Guest singers David Dudley and Kimberly Lauf. Tickets £3.50 from 151 High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall Saturday 13th, 6pm to 8pm Carols by Candlelight. Mummers' play. fire juggling, and lots of carols in the farmyard. Adult£3, child £1.50: incl mulled wine & mince pies; call 771080 to book. Lower Shaw Farm

III

10

Greenmeadow y Primar School

Saturday 13th, 7.30pm Christmas music and carols by Aldbourne Band. Arranged by Haydon Wick Bowls Club. £4.50 (£4 concs), tickets from the centre or Barrie Smith of the Bowls Club on 722972. Haydon Centre. Thames Ave. Saturday 13th, 7pm for 7.30pm Christmas Around The World Tucapsky: Koleda. International and traditional carols. £6; under 14s free; refreshments and programme incl.

St Michael's Church. High worth Friday 19th, 7.30pm The Alternative Carol Concert by New Youth Theatre. Traditional Christmas songs performed in different styles.£5. Arts Centre

Workshops Saturday 6th, 10am - 4pm Festive Flowers. Create modern arrangements for the party season with Ann Paisley from Wiltshire College, Lackham, using an alternative foam-free approach. All materials included. £23. Arts Centre

Comedy Monday 1st, 7.30pm Jimmy Tarbuck's Christmas Cracker with special guest Kenny Lynch and featuring Keedie. Steeped in quickfire Liverpool wit and street corner cheek, Jimmy Tarbuck delivers comedy for grown-ups rather than adult material. £17. Wyvern Saturday 6th, 8pm Sean Lock.

Sean's stand-up is the product of a hyperactive imagination combining surreal imagery and insightful observations. £11. Arts Centre

Dance Friday 5th, 7.30pm Southerly Exposure. An evening of fresh dances by two dance makers from the region alongside Maresa Von Stockert & Tilted Co. a rapidly rising dance star. £6 & £4. Town Hall Studios

Irish Dance with The Maloney and McInerney School of Irish Dancing Saturday 27 December, 8pm Ann Breen and her band plus support band Michael Bracken Exhibitions of Irish dancing, Bar to 12.30am Crosslink Centre, Ermin Street Tickets £8. to book call 642368

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Sunday 21st December Family Christmas Service

10:30am

Sing traditional carols and hear the Sunday School children present The Light.'''

6:00ppm

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Family Carol Service

6

Renew your hope through carol singing, Bible readings & the true meaning of Christmas.

Services held at Greenmeadow Primary School located on Pen Close in Greenmeadow.

Refreshments will follow both services.

NSBC

Thursday 25th December Christmas Day Service ;_

--

The Christmas Day Service will be held at Abbey Meads Community Primary School.

I4

10:30am

24

Swindon Wide Wti is On it Exhibitions

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

SANTA SPECIALS Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December, 11 am to 4pm Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December, 11 am to 4pm Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December, 11 am to 4pm Also Saturday 13th December, 6pm - 8.30pm Adult: £3,50; Child: £5.50, Family: £16 TO ?URTON

TADPOLE LANE

(child price includes present from Santa)

NORTH

For further information see

DSrniioN^ SWINDON

n

www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org

or telephone 01793 771615 Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Swindon.

Programme subject to alteration without notice

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Le(err)ter

HAYDON WICK

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West Swindon Library until Saturday 6th Chinese Fine Art Paintings in ink and colours on silk or on high quality rice paper.The majority of the collection are rare items of quality by some of the more well known Chinese artists.

Wyvern, Lower Foyer From Tuesday 2nd I Don't Like Babysitters by Mary Rayner Drawing a story - children's book ill ustrations.

Wyvern, Harlequin Bar From Tuesday 2nd Life Forms by Christine Marie Antoinette Abstract patterns within natural forms extended and evolved through acrylic paintings.

STEAM until Sunday 14th The Guild of Railway Artists Exhibition An annual show of work depicting railway scenes past and present in various media, by Britain's leading railway artists. Normal admission charges to museum Lydiard House Friday 5th to Tuesday 23rd Country House Christmas See the State rooms decked in gorgeous decorations created by floristry students at Wiltshire College, Lackham. All the traditional baubles, mistletoe and park greenery. plus a few surprises. Normal admission charges North Swindon Library Tuesday 9th to Sunday 21st Rural Images by Robin Woodford Robin Woodford's early years were spent in farm cottages on the edge of Savernake Forest. This gave him a love of the countryside which is reflected in the rural images found in his paintings. Open during library open hours, closed Mondays

Dnve the Dream-- 1 xp..na1 eJL,u, - Njieci - j ' esH tke tasson

There's a chance to ride on a train pulled by a real express engine.

The newly restored Foremarke Hall, built in the Swindon GWR works, is in steam at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway Society in December.

See the advert above for dates..:

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Fine Chinese artifacts on display in West Swindon Library West Swindon Library Wednesday 9th to Tuesday 30th Woolgathering by Janet Theobald An exhibition of felt collages made from pre-dyed and hand -dyed sheep wool, mohair, flax and soya bean fi bre. Open during library open hours, closed Mondays Brewery Arts Coffee House Open Monday to Sat.1 cam - 5pm Small prints for Christmas by Sheila Stafford Brewery Arts Main Gallery, Open Mon to Sat,10am - 5pm & Sundays 7. 14. 21 Dec. 12 - 4pm Kitchen Sink Drama Ceramics, pots, tiles, furniture, baskets and linen by artists and craftspeople from all over Britain.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Swindon's Canals The exhibition traces the history of the Wilts & Berks canal from its opening at the start of the 19th Century to its demise and closure before the First World War and looks at what is being done to restore Swindon's canal system.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Abstracts An exhibition exploring achallenging selection of works from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art, looking at the construction and deconstruction of pictures, colour, shape and inspiration behind the works.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery A Child's Eye-View A hands-on display with things to do, stories to tell, objects to touch and boxes to open.

25

Swindon Wide Lydiard celebrations dampened by lottery set back

As Swindon Council celebrates the sixtieth anniversary since the father of modern Swindon, the former chief executive David Murray John. bought Lydiard House and its park from the near bankrupt St John family, an ambitious £4.25 million plan to return the park to its former glory is having to be scaled back because the Heritage Lottery Fund does not have enough money to meet all the demands on it.

An ambitious plan was On 1 December the chairman of English Heritage, Sir Hugh launched in September Cossons, and the Mayor of Swindon will host a VIP reception at Lydiard House to mark the late David Murray John's farsighted decision that the council had to acquire the near derelict house and park. Even in 1943 he had a vision that the estate should become a jewel in Swindon's crown.

In the ensuing sixty years Swindon has built itself right to the edge of the park which now provides an important green lung for the town.

The house has gradually been restored, with many St John family heirlooms being returned and other period pieces purchased to enhance the visitor experience.

achieved. "The Heritage Lottery Board have asked us to look at the

-

bid again so that they can fund 2002 to bid for over £4 million to restore the park, more projects around the country. particularly the lakes built We hope to submit a scaled down bid by the end of November. in the 1740s. The dam ..

"Rebuilding the dam and restorholding the water back ing the lake, as well as bringing the burst in 1922 and they — i walled garden back into use, are have become almost com still central features of the scheme, pletely overgrown. but a cafe/visitor centre next to the West Swindon council for Nick Martin, who chairs Studen is from Lackham College preparing house will have to be reconsidered." the Lydiard Park Project Lydiard house for a Victorian Christmas Board made up of Swindon Council officers and councillors and representatives from Engli sh Heritage and local businesses, said he was cautiously optimistic Join our New Year celebrations at the De Vere Swindon, we have that the long cherished dreams of something to suit everyone. Celebrate in the Park Brasse rie at our restoring the park could be

Celebrate New Year With The De Vere

Tea party to recall memories of the park in the town centre

The New Mechanics' Institute is holding a Festive Tea for anybody with memories and photographs of Faringdon Road park. They will be making a video diary to create a historical document.

Turn up at the Old Railway Museum in Faringdon Road on Saturday

relaxed and informal event which includes one nights accommodation and full English breakfast. Or if you are looking for something a little more glamorous, then our formal black tie event in the Wilton Suite, which includes 2 or 3 nights accommodation and full English breakfast will be the one for you!

6 December, 2pm to 5pm or call 520592 for details.

Christmas fundraising

4*4*#

4 December Moredon Infant School Christmas Fayre, Akers Way. 3.15pm - 4.30pm.

Admission: adult 20p and children free. Meet santa in his grotto: £1.50.

Riendeer food, jar tombola, cake stall, lucky dip. refreshments.

Thur

Saturday 6 December Toothill Church Christmas Fair. 2pm -4pm. Stalls include: homemade cards. glass painting, decorative candles, quilted decorative wreaths, homemade sweets, stocking filers, refreshments, crafts.

Prospect Hospice Christmas Bazaar. Moormead Road, Wroughton. 12noon - 3pm.Crafts, gifts, Christmas decorations, a post box to post a letter to Santa. Followed at 5.30pm by the traditional Light A Life Celebration service around the Prospect Christmas tree - see page 27 .

De Vere Hotel, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN 5 7DW TeL 01793878785 Fax 01793877822 Emaihdvsreservations@devere-hotels.com www.devereswindon.co.uk •

The Nine Elms Public House Old Shaw Lane, Nine Elms, Swindon Christmas Menu Pea and Mint Soup Prawn Cocktail Chilled fan of Melon Roast Turkey with traditional trimmings Roast Beef with traditional trimmings Sage and Chestnut Risotto Strips of Chicken, Mushroom & Masala Sauce Rack of Lamb with a Mint and Red Currantjus

Thursday 11 December St Andrew's Methodist Church Bargain Bazaar, Moredon Road. 2pm - 3.30pm.Christmas stall. Proceeds to national and local charities and the church funds. (Bargain Bazaar is held fortnightly and the first ones in 2004 are on Thursdays 8 and 22 January).

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Apple Pie with Cream or Custard Winter Fruits Crumble Cheese and Biscuits

Saturday 13 December Freshbrook Playgroup Christmas Fete, Freshbrook Community Centre. fpm - 3pm.Father Christmas, tombola, gifts, refreshments.

Why not book for Christmas dinner ? - one service 12 noon - 12pm: 4 courses £38.95 Tel: 770442 to book

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Dinner £15.95 Christmas Menu available from 1st December

THE VILLAGE TAVERN [%e co#r^,ruirf(, 6,ax ^ , ocu' doorstep , 91f

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What's on ?

Karaoke Charity Race Night Virgin Make Up Party Christmas Quiz Night Christmas Karaoke

- November 29th - December 6th - December 8th - December 18th - December20th

Christmas Opening Hours Xmas Eve 12 noon - 12 midnight 12 noon - 2pm Christmas Day Boxing Day 12 noon - llpm 12 noon - lam New Years Eve New Years Day 1 2 noon - 11pm What else?

Free Pool - Tuesdays Quiz- Thursdays New Bar Menu also available

Check out our new website: www.thenineelms.com

Toothill Village Centre, Swindon (0l793)421l24

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Sunday Carvery: buy one get one free in December, January and February Live music every Friday Karaoke - Disco every Sunday

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26 The Link Magazine • December 2003

Line Dance with

Midnight Cowboys

CYCLECARE - Purton sales • spares • repairs

Tuesday: Even Swindon, 7.00 Community Centre Jennings Street (off Rodbourne Road) Wednesday: Rodbourne Cheney, 7.30 Rodbourne Cheney Club, Moredon Road near Rodbourne Arms)

Thursday: Coleview 7.00 Community Centre. Nythe Road

Step by step instruction for absolute beginners Weekend socials in High worth and Swindon For more details Ring Lewis Watson on 764732 Ten years of teaching!

PUKY German made kids bikes.

ADAMS trailer bike with smart hitch for age 4- 8. BROMPTON folders GIANT family bikes.

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Computer courses connect The Parivaar Asian women's group meets on Mondays, 12.30pm to 2.3Opm during term time at the West Swindon Family and Community Project, at 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook.

Coordinator Mina Bhogal said ics regarding women's personal the group provides the opportu- health, care and motherhood. It nity to meet new friends and listen was an excellent opportunity for to speakers on a range of topics as the ladies to learn more about so well as sharing skills and experi- many issues and become aware of ences. "We bring together women the need for regular check ups."

In October the group started a from so many different cultures and we have been able to share so seven week course introducing much knowledge and traditions. them to computers, with laptops Members gain a lot of confidence and tutors provided by the Workers Educational Association. from each other."

New members are welcome at Earlier this year the group took part in a health awareness course the group. A free creche is availfor speakers of other languages

able. For details call 871303 or

run by Swindon College. Mina said, "we covered a number of top-

886066.

Understanding computers, back from

left, Man/it Kaur, Bu/winder Chana, Rahima Shasna, Mina Bhogal, Thelma D'Costa, filter Leigh Thompson. Front, Jagir Kaur, Sitriiider Gill, Harsac Khaira, Nadira Khatu it ,

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Walk amongst some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish filled pools - a truly magical experience.

Observe the full life cycle of the butterfly from the tiny egg to the ever hungry caterpillar, through to the pupa stage before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

Spiders, scorpions, mantis and many more fascinating insects are on display in our mini beast house.

Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 90T Tel: 01793 852400 info: stud leygrange.co.uk

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The Link Maaazine • December 2003

Prospect Hospice Christmas service

North community learning centre officially launched A new training centre in North Swindon was officially opened at the end of October to provide classes in computing and information technology, and a range of courses for adults in the community.

In a third partnership between Swindon Library service and Swing don College, the large open plan ,,, space is located next to the North ^yl,,j p# Swindon library at the district centre. Twenty one computer termi^ ; C4 pals are arranged around the room a nd on earea can be screened off to create a classroom. to Centre manager Julia Hoskins there had been an enthusiastic response to the courses on offer since the doors opened on I September. "Nearly 200 people have '1 t -==w signed up for computer courses; a least half have come from articles Cutting the tape at North Swindon, from left, Avril Carlton, Swindon College and advertisements in The Link, community learning curriculum manager, Gilli Palmer, North Swindon Centre library manager, David Allen, library and heritage manager, Angela which is very encouraging.

"The most popular course has Barker-Dench, Swindon College directorofeurriculumplannin ,JuliaHoskins, been the twelve hour introduction North Swindon Learning Centre manager to computers which touches on ics, ranging from personal develDetails of Swindon College the basics of word processing, opment, supporting your children, courses in the community for 2004 internet use and e-mails so that advanced IT and managing are now available from the North peoplecangetstarted,beforemov- money. GCSE courses in maths Swindon training centre, tel: ing onto more advanced aspects and English are also available.

727451, and from all libraries. Alor to work for a qualification like The learning programmes are ternatively call 0800 731 2250. the European Computer Driving flexible and can be taken at the Opening times: Licence. We've had a lot of interest centre, at home or work, at times Monday 9am - 3pm 7pm - 9pm from older people so that they can to suit the student.

9am - 3pm 7pm - 9pm learn how to contact friends and Asignlanguagecoursehasbeen Tuesday Wednesday gam - 5pm 5pm - 9pm family abroad." running from the centre during 9am - 5pm Closed Julia added that the facility has the Autumn and another will start Thursday also become a Learning DirectCen- in January. Courses in food hy- Friday 9am - 1 pm Closed tre, a national programme offer- giene, art and sailing are just a few Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm ing on-line courses in over 250 top- of the subjects on offer in 2004.

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The hospice in Moormead Road, Wroughton holds its annual Light A Life Celebration Service on Saturday 6 December, 5.30pm, around the twenty foot high Prospect Christmas tree. The service is followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the marquee.

Thamesdown Transport will be providing a shuttle bus to and from Nationwide House in Pipers Way, from 4.45pm before the service and returning from 6.30pm.

Gillian Richardson, Community Fundraiser for the Hospice, described the event as a moving experience for all who want to remember somebody dear to them.

"Each year over 1,000 lights shine from the tree and over 1,000 names are entered in the Book of Celebration.

"Our service is a special start to Christmas for a lot of people. It is extremely moving and heart warming and we are indebted to Thamesdown Transport and Nationwide for helping us to make it possible."

For more information about the event or to sponsor a light this Christmas, contact the Fundraising Department on 815142. Sponsorship forms can also be picked up at Prospect Hospice shops, to be returned with your donation.

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28 The Link Magazine • December 2003

Regular police contact on offer in North Swindon Police support officer Stuart Thomas is now available every Tuesday 9am to 11am at the North Swindon police point at the district centre to talk to callers and help with any queries.

Centre every Tuesday morning Stuart, who started in his role as regular PC which meanspeoplecanbesuretogetme Police Community Support Officer means I don't have all in a central place where they can (CPSO) in mid-September covers the paperwork ret •J1I raise any issue which concerns the new areas of North Swindon - quired to reporta crime them, or might be of interest to the Abbey Meads, St Andrew's Ridge, related incident," said I I police."

Stuart. "This means I :,, .

Ash Brake and Priory Vale.

Stuart can also be contacted via tI i f ,. ,.

He is responsible for monitor- can spend more time 528111 or by mailing: stuart. ing anti-social behaviour, under- walking the streetsgenI t *' age drinking and smoking, joy rid- erally showing a pres"' thomas@wiltshirepolice.com • The North Swindon Police Point ing, bike riding on pavements and ence and providing inis open to all residents in the North dog fouling. He can issue cautions formation where I can.

Police Sector for enquiries and and tickets and is in radio contact " My shift pattern presentation of documents on: with the police control centre for falls between 8am and Mon,Tues, Sat, Sun: l2noonto2pm; back-up if necessary. midnight, but being at Wed, Thurs Fri: 4pm - 6pm.

"I don't have all the powers of a the North Swindon

Haydon safety group get a focus on area's problems The problems associated with underage drinking was one of the issues given prominent attention at the inaugural meeting of the Haydon Wick Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST) held in early November.

Kay Giblett of the Anti-social General anti-social behaviourby undertook to continue to press for Haydon Centre in October was youngsters in the area was the formal action to be taken against advertised and reported in The Behaviour Unit emphasised the major issue identified at the meet- retailers selling alcohol to juniors Link. Jane Dudley from Swindon need for instances of disturbances ing, with the lack of adequate pro- and NeST coordinatorJane Dudley Council's Crime and Disorder Unit to reported. The unit has its own vision by the youth service exacer- agreed to pursue the other issues said NeSTs already meeting in 'phone line and she encouraged bating the problem. Some residents with the responsible authorities, other parts of the town provide the members of the community to call The NeSTbrings together repre- opportunity for a stronger and it so that the seriousness of probexpressed concern about the possibility of nuisance arising if the sentatives of a range of statutory more coordinated voice from the lems can be measured.

Report disturbances and incinew skateboarding area on West- and community organisations, lo- community. field Way is not properly man- cal councillors and businesses to At the meeting she reported that dents of intimidation to the unit's aged. identify local problems and to there had been a good response to 24 hour hotline: 466738.

For immediate response, call the Fly tipping and abandoned su- work with the various agencies to the Fear of Crime survey circulated permarket trolleys were also is- find solutions. The Haydon NeST with the November Link and there police on 528111. sues blighting the area, has been established following an was still time for residents to send • Haydon kickabout space and North youth centre - page 30.

Ward councillor David Reynard information roadshow at the in completed forms.

Youth gatherings again causing hassle for residents Problems caused by youngsters misbehaving in the Thames Avenue area have never been far away since large gang gatherings were reported earlier the year.

He has brought the matter to the Determined action by the police gardens and cans and bottle strewn local stores may be selling it to and Haydon Centre stewards seem around the area. them and the youngsters also ap- attention of the parish council and to have sorted out the vandalism, Parish councillor Kevin Ball has proach adults to buy it." hopes for concerted action to asTrading Standards officers have sist residents affected, but he feels disturbances and threatening be- reported on the drunken behavhaviour experienced in the vicin- iour by young people, some as been alerted about possible of- that parents should act more responsibly. "They have a duty of care ity of the centre in early summer. young as 13; many from outside fences.

However people living elsewhere the parish. "Underage drinking is Councillor Ball added, "the po- and should be aware of what their in Hayden Wick are now suffering the core of the problem," he said. lice, particularly our local officer children are up to when left to their aggravation from large congrega- "These kids seem to get hold of PC Sheik, have been supportive, own devices in the evening."

He acknowledged that any localtions of young people. Residents alcohol at will and in some cases it but they obviously do not have the feel intimidated, cars have been is their own parents who are sup- resources to keep on top of the ised solution will simply move the problem onto someone else's patch. vandalised, rubbish dumped in plying it. We suspect that some problem."

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The Link Maaazine • December 2003

Don't let the baddies spoil your Christmas or New Year This may be the season of goodwill, but there are always a few who will take the opportunity to spoil it for you. So Jean Goncalves, manager of the Safer Swindon Shop in Havelock Street and Swindon Police Crime Prevention Officers, Geoff Suffolk and Paul Cook, are working together to raise public awareness of personal safety and general security this Christmas.

"It might be a time for festive joy and thinking of others, but criminals are usually more interested in thinking of themselves," said Paul.

"We want people to enjoy themselves safely and the festivities to pass with as few incidents as possible."

To help achieve this the Safer Swindon Shop is sellGood advice for a crime free Christmas ing battery powfrom Paul, Jean and Geoff ered personal alarms for just £6 and providing cide who will drive (and not drink); ultra violet property pens free of • Try not to leave mobile phones charge to mark all those Christmas and wallets on tables, or drinks unattended where they could be gifts.

Geoff said, "personal alarms and spiked; securities reduce the fear of crime • Try not to walk home alone. Go and work most successfully when home in pairs or groups and stick to well lit pathways avoiding applied with common sense."

The team have come up with a poorly lit areas such as alleyways list of advice points to act on to and subways; reduce the opportunity for crime: • Set up a Neighbourhood Watch • Have a plan to get home safely Scheme and keep an eye out for by ordering a taxi in advance, keep criminals in your street; some money for a taxi fare, or de- • Write your postcode on your presents with a permanent ultra violet pen; Be seen in the • After Christmas do not leave empty cardboard boxes from your dark with a presents outside your home; it's a great safety aid great tip off as to what might be Here's an idea which will make inside. Take boxes to the dump or an excellent Christmas gift for a break them down, hiding the brand child, walker or cyclist, or any- names and have them collected for body working where they need to recycling; be seen.

• Don't let anyone in, whatever the so-called emergency, until you have thoroughly checked their

identification card or 'phoned the utility. You must be 100 per cent happy that callers are genuine. If you have elderly or vulnerable

The Grippaglow is a high visibility flourescent easy-release band which can be worn around the arm or waist. What makes it unique is a ring of bright flashing LEDs powered by a watch battery which can be seen up to a 1,000 metres away.

They cost £13. Place your order at Safer Swindon Shop in Havelock Street or call The Link on 872282.

friends, please remind them of the bogus official and 'call a friend scheme', it may help prevent them from becoming a victim; • Remove all presents and belongings from view when parking in car parks or outside your home; • If the car radio / CD player has a removable front panel, take it with you; do not hide it in the glove compartment or under the seat.

For further advice, information, personal alarms and free UV pens, contact the Safer Swindon Shop on 525114 or Swindon Police Crime Prevention Department on 528111.

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30 The Link Magazine • December 2003

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Go ahead given for Haydon kickabout and skateboard area Although planning permission has been granted for a floodlit hardstanding area providing kickabout and skateboarding facilities, North Swindon youngsters will have a while to wait until next summer at the earliest, before this much demanded provision is available for use because money still has to be found to pay for the project.

The facility, to be located be- for local youngsters and that, with each night, no later than 9pm and tween Westfield Way and Haydon- just three basic features, it could it would be inspected and cleaned leigh Primary School will be not be regarded as a 'skateboard before the start of each school day.

When the area is eventuall y confunded by Haydon Wick Parish park' to serve the whole town. "It structed, it will benefit both local is meant to be enjoyed by local Council and Asda Walmart who will contribute £25,000 each to- children," said parish council youngsters and children at wards the cost. The balance of chairman Richard Hailstone. "We Haydonleigh School, and hopefunding - perhaps £80,000 - is ex- do not think it will attract young fully bring some relief to those resipected to be met from the Lottery people from far and wide and, in dents who are concerned about Commission's New Opportunities any case, skateboarding goes on in the skateboarding which takes Fund which supports dual use the school playground at present." place on local streets and in public The amenity would be closed places. projects shared by both schools and public. This money is unlikely to be forthcoming before the end of the financial year because other

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dual use proposals with Swindon Council are not as advanced in their planning.

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The parish council has been at pains to point out that the skateboarding area was a high priority

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Completion of the long awaited youth centre at the North Swindon District Centre is now in sight after many months of delay caused by rain water leaks.

The youth

centre, which ---will house sev — f# eralinternetcon nected comput ers, will be to .. cated next to the North Swindon Library and the ! `,u adjacent Swin gy 11^ don College learning and ' business centre.

However, water had been get- Troublesome steps at the North Swindon District Centre ting in under the tiles covering the steps facing the brane under the steps has now been fountain at the district centre. replaced and tested for leaks. "We The first shops at the North have been advised that fitting out Swindon District Centre opened of the accommodation can start two years ago this month and the and we are in discussion with the much delayed library opened in company which installed the fixtures in the library. We hope this May this year.

A Swindon Council spokes- will commence in January and the woman, said the waterproof mem- facility can be handed over in March.

Still spaces for air cadets An open evening at the West Swindon flight of the Air Training Corp, advertised in the September Link, attracted fifty prospective cadets and parents.

Youngsters enjoyed trying out the controls of a real aircraft cockpit and looking at a one third size model of a Harrier jump jet. Many decided to join the flight, but boys and girls over the age of 13 years can sign on

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For details call Flying Officer of activities, from drill to sport, public speaking to visiting RAF Mike Hall on 848075 (evenings).

31

The Link Magazine • December 2003

Day of decision for Haydon Community Association The trustees of the Haydon Wick Community Association are hoping for a good attendance from people living in the Haydon Wick parish area at its AGM on Monday 1 December, 7pm, at the Haydon Centre, when important decisions will be taken about its future.

For many years the community association has played a significant organisation and they have been invited by public notice to attend the role in the community as the area developed from a small village to AGM to consider options for the future. The substantive motion has almost a town in its own right. Its main role was to manage the Haydon been proposed by the trustees: Centre with the backing of Swindon Council. 'that the existing Community Association be dissolved and its assets lodged in Earlier this year the decision was taken to pull out of this arrange- a new trust fund created to provide grants to groups and for projects within ment because satisfactory terms for the future could not be agreed. Haydon Wick and the neighbourhood.'

There was also concern about the potential liabilities under which Officers from the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation trustees operated, a factor which dissuaded people from taking up the will attend the AGM to explain how this new arrangement could be put role. The association now has to decide if there is any virtue in its into practice. continuing to exist.

The Haydon Wick parish area covers Haydon Wick, Greenmeadow, All adult residents of Haydon Wick parish are members of the Woodhall Park, Priory Vale and much of Abbey Meads.

Take the fast track for this Christmas single with a ring of truth The Christmas No 1. is what all the big stars aim for - whether it's the usual Pop Idol suspects, Mr Blobby or Cliff - and we, the gullible public, get taken in by the hype pumped out by the record promoters.

Now West Country band take on the musical big guns and them stick one on the big record The Accelerators -hailing from market the song big time for Christ- companies.

Haydon Wick and Weston Sumas 2003.

Christmas is a Pain in the Arse is ,. ' . per Mare are trying to muscle So, if you're going to buy a available at branches of HMV. in and have come up with a ' Christmas single. By-pass the usual The Accelerators, the only band catchy but down to earth boy band product. Give this bunch to have a song played on BBC with number which they hope will . `'.. of 30 to 40 somethings the benefit the word 'arse' in the title are at get to the top spot in Decemof your Christmas cash and help www.theaccelerators.co.uk ber.

The Accelerators, right, reParty for bumps, babes and toddlers leased their cheeky composiThe National Childbirth Trust (NCT) holds a children's Christmas party . tion Christmas is a Pain in the on Thursday 18 December at their drop-in group at Toothill Church, Arse last year and managed to Dunwich Drive. Toothill. achieve a couple of airplays The group is open to all `bumps'. babes and pre-school children and on BBC Radio 2's Johnnie their carers. To book a place at the party and for details of the group call Walker show. It also went Liz Austin on 704229. down a storm at live gigs.

You won't find the schmaltzy sentiments of other seasonal releases here. Christmas is a Pain in the Arse gives a • C C different slant on the usual ditty, after clips were heard online. The poking gentle fun at the festivities song was listed in the top three • • S without attempting to offend those Christmas singles of all time on We Zl)ZS j2 all our customers a of a religious persuasion. the Radio 2 website.

The radio coverage generated Having only produced ten copMerry Christmas and a Happ 'v New Year numerous telephone calls as well ies of the song last year for family Open: a " " 'Ii Unit as e-mails from around the world and friends, the band decided to

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L-WeightWatchers WESTLEA SCHOOL Thursday 5.30pm

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A dozen women shook their flesh for charity on 15 November in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The ladies shimmied their way November Link inviting men and through routines led by experi- women to take part in her charity enced belly dancer Sue Bickell from event.

"I was pleased with the turn out Middleleaze, accompanied by evocative Egyptian music. Giving of ladies who had danced before their moves that extra allure was and some who came along to try the jingle jangle of the metalwork something new," said Sue. "We raised around £400 for Macmillan on belts tied round their hips.

Sue and some of the regulars and hope to do further charity who attend her monthly classes at events in the new year."

To join Sue's monthly classes call Holy Trinity Church, Shaw were featured on the front page of the her on 870705 or 0790 555 2360.

Mix and match: a conga of bellydancers, from left, Liz Szymczak, Lynne Robinson, Jane Dugan, Catherine Welch, Marie Ayres, Ceinwen Kuc:ala, Linda Brown, Sandra Silcox, Site Bickell

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Put your heart on the line with Santa s r.

Here's your chance to have great fun and raise money for charity this Christmas. Swindon Council's Town Centre Management team is organising the first ever Grand Santa Fun Run in aid of the British Heart Foundation on Sunday 30 November.

A 400 metre children's run takes place at loam followed at 10.30am by a 1.5k adult run down Regents Circus and along The Parade.

Adults will be presented with their own per sonal Father Christmas suit which must be worn during the run. There's a prize for the most authentic looking Santa.

Children will be encouraged to take part in an elf outfit and will be supplied with an elf hat and also receive a Christmas gift.

The entry fees are: adults £12 and children £5. Register by 9.30am on the day at the Wyvern Theatre.

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Swindon Town Centre is making a special effort to give Christmas shoppers a celebratory experience. to capture the The Jubilee moment when a Clock launched child shares his this year will be or her Christmas festooned with wishes with the lights whilst Santa will be in bearded one.

Downstairs his grotto surrounded by ennear The Brunel chanted characii Centre customer ters and toys in a ji t relations desk will be a 'giving magical forest `4 j-- rll l setting on the tree'whereshopperscanmakedoupper level of the Plaza every

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The Link Magazine • December 2003

33

Best foot forward to beat breast cancer Swindon's fantastic Twin Peaks team are preparing to power walk a marathon around the streets of London for the sixth year running, wearing decorated bras in aid of breast cancer research.

Team coordinator Eunice thousands of others, wearing deco- do the training. All abilities are Salmon said the Walk the Walk rated bras, and doing something welcome to take part. ' Moonwalk has become so popu- in memory of a loved one, and • Link Centre. Mondays, 7.30pm.

Contact Eunice Salmon, 871606 lar that organisers have to limit the striving to help a charity find a • Link Centre. Tuesdays, 7.30pm. number of places available to cure for breast cancer."

Contact Deb Rew, 344744 or The Moonwalk raises money for 15,000 and applications to take part Sarah Moseley, 878842 have to be made by Christmas. Breakthrough Breast Cancer Re"Power walking is a fun and man- search and also the Bristol Cancer • Dorcan Centre. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm. Contact ageable form of exercise that suits Help Centre which provides a hoMargaret Nicholson, 633348. people of all abilities and ages. It's listic approach to cancer, encourless taxing on the joints than jog- aging people to take control of their Only official WTW application ging and can help in any fitness treatment by adopting a lifestyle forms which are available at the that can strengthen both mind and Oasis Leisure Centre or Link Cenprogramme. tre ALC gym will be accepted. Or "The novelty of participating in body.

There are three groups in Swin- call Eunice on 871606. the Moonwalk is that it is just that, twenty six miles or thirteen miles don, open to women and men who around the streets of London be- will be applying for the walk and ginning around midnight with also supporters who just want to "I ^

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do Fourteen year old Charles Salmon from Nine Elms would not back down when he told his mum Eunice that he was going bald for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

All her appeals to his vanity fell on deaf ears, but at least Charles' efforthasraisedover£100 ^• after John Danby of the f Leigh Childs Black Belt Academy doubled the amount raised. f The before and after of Charles Salmon

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Commerce House 34/35 Commercial Road, Swindon

E-mail: info@crd.org.uk Tel: (01793) 617617 Fax: (01793)511249

Fam^n!y° I AWYFF.S

34 The Link Magazine • December 2003

PARKING CENTRAL SWINDON Annual long stay parking from only £58.08 per month Contact Christine Jenkins i Tel: 01793-690600 J t^

your partner in business

Car Park Valeting Now open at West Swindon Shopping Centre (car park B) Prices from £4.99 q Quick and convenient q No booking needed q Trained and qualified Fully insured

Make it an exciting Christmas for somebody 30+ Link advertiser Redline Extreme is offering a gift idea that has speed, style and sporting elegance - great for somebody who has everything, or needs some excitement in 2004.

Redline hires out sports cars for jolt anybody not used to driving so down cover are all included in the one to seven days. Available is a low, small or fast. hire charge. For details see the adLotus Elise 111 and Vauxhall Drivers must be over thirty years vertisement on page 24 or go to VX220 Turbo, both guaranteed to of age. VAT, insurance and break- www.redlineextreme.co.uk

New blood on the parish council Three new councillors have been co-opted on to Haydon Wick Parish Council.

They are Christian Watson, cillor duties, Robert has also ofRobert McVay and Alison Miles fered to act as a volunteer driver of who live in Abbey Meads, the community bus.

Greenmeadow and Oakhurst reCouncil chairman Richard Hailspectively. In addition to his coun- stone, welcoming the new members said, "it is encouraging to find this level of interest in the work of the parish and I am particularly pleased that two of the new members come from the new areas."

There remains one vacancy on the council and anyone interested SELF DRIVE HIRE in taking it up should contact par1 ish clerk Sue Martin on 722446.

71- 41 Rertie e eo^r

DUNCAN

Giving the disabled a voice Swindon Coalition of Disabled People will hold a conference at New College on Thursday 4 December. The main speaker is Andy Rickell from the British Council of Disabled People. For details call 420045.

www.scodp.co.uk

Cars • Vans • Luton Tail-Lifts 272 Ermin Street Stratton St. Margaret, Swindon

* Electronic tuning * Welding it Electrical work

Tel: 822193 FREE PARKING Open daily 8.30am - 5.30pm Sundays 8.30am - 9.30am

MOBILE CAR SERVICING i REPAIRS

E r/'

* MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) For a reliable local service with over 25 years experience (No VAT to pay) CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

HAT & ALFA ROMF9 Providing friendly & efficient * servicing * engine & gearbox rebuilds 7 * electrical repairs _

KETT'S GARAGE (SWINDO OR EVER ING: LY L

ITED

• New and Used Car Sales

COMETOU

p

for Ilfe

• Business Sales Department

i

* brake and clutch re airs

Lotus Elise 111s

Vehicles for Hire at Competitive Rates

Radio de-coding while you wait

Tel: 07957 549203 or drop O O in and see us Car Park Valeting

^^

• Service (FREE collection & delivery) • FREE courtesy cars

BEFORE JACK FROST

* cam belt replacement * MOT repairs

COMES TO YOU. BOOK YOUr Winter

• Parts and accessories

Service Check L^- NOW

* sales

Tel: (01793) 840667 39b Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

ALL MAKES OF CAR SERVICED AND REPAIRED

FAW(ETT'S GARAGE (SWINDON) LIMITED Unit 1, Callenders, Paddington Drive Churchward Park, Swindon SN5 7YW. Tel: 01793 881110

The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ December 2003

35

School collects a mountain of clothes for charity Children at Salt Way Primary School recently collected 22 sacks full of clothes to donate to the Prospect Hospice as part of the SAY Recycle project.

The project, which is all about a new lease of life through the reducing rubbish, is a joint initia- Prospect Hospice's chain of chartive between the Wiltshire Wild- ity shops. Children also designed life Trust, Swindon Services, local posters for display in the shop wincharities and schools across Swin- dows to spread the recycling and reusing message. don, Swindon's Sustainability Officer Through the SAY Recycle project children found out how important Cath Rice said, "it was wonderful it is to reduce, re-use and recycle to see the mountain of unwanted rubbish. They discovered that re- clothes collected at Salt Way Priusing and recycling clothes ben- mary school go off to be reused efits others, saves environmental and recycled. We can all do our bit resources and reduces the pres- to reduce, reuse and recycle. The SAY Recycle project is a great way sure on landfill sites.

They put this into action by col- of getting this message across in lecting together clothes to be given our schools."

WHO GIVES YOU

SPEEDY MOT TESTING 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH NO APPOINTMENT ...... AND MORE?

Prospect volunteer driver Bill Jordan loads up clothes carried by Salt Way children, with Prospect Hospice community fundraising manager Gillian Richardson, left, and Swindon's Sustainability Officer Cath Rice

Crusader for wildlife is a worthy winner Many years of battling for wildlife and North Swindon's environment was recognised on 20 November when Marilyn Beale from Penhill was presented with the Swindon Citizen Environmental Award by the Mayor councillor Derek Benfield.

Over the years, Marilyn has dedicated her time to a number of environmental projects across the borough. Along with local residents she was responsible for the formation of the Seven Fields Conservation Group in 1989. The group, supported by Marilyn's tireless involvement helped achieved the status of Local Nature Reserve for the site between Penhill, Haydon Wick and Abbey Meads.

The group has fought hard to maintain the quality of the environment and recently threatened to close down because actions by Swindon Council were damaging the nature reserve.

More recently Marilyn has been working with others to set up the Penhill Orchard Project, converting allotments to grow fruit and vegetables communally.

Marilyn said, "I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has helped me over the years.

3 On the spot minor repairs & adjustments free 3 Free retest within 14 days 3 Convenient location - close to the Oasis Leisure Centre 3 Comfortable waiting room with coffee and TV 3 Helpful service with 30 years experience 3 Modern through to classic cars/vans welcome 3 Large vans & motor homes up to 3500kg (class 7) 3 Two testing lanes for speedy turnaround

"'s"

.^

I

"I admit to being a good organiser, but I couldn't do it without the help of other people."

Bill King, Chair of Seven Fields Conservation Group made the nomination. He said, "Marilyn s dedication and tenacity is an example to everybody and her efforts motivate residents who would not be normally active in their local community and environment." â&#x20AC;˘ Welcome in the New Year with a tidy up of Seven Fields and a wassail in the orchard - see page 39.

3 Fully equipped modern repair workshop 3 12 months MOT reminder system

Hawksworth Industial Estate, Swindon (close to the Oasis Leisure Centre)

Tel: 613448

OATH

IN WST]Ut ESTATE

36 The Link Magazine • December 2003

Take off at Tawny Owl Swindon's latest pub, The Tawny Owl on Queen Elizabeth Drive, has more than taken off, it's almost in outer space according to landlords Phillip and Louise Britton. and restaurant, the new pub has five letting rooms, including a family/disabled room, and a function room which can cater for up to 75 people, called the Parliament Room.

At the opening ceremony company managing director James Arkell said, "North Swindon still has to accommodate over 5,000 new homes and a family pub is an essential part of bringing life to the growing communities which is why we invested so much time in the project and involved as many people as we could.

"As one of Swindon's oldest companies, the opening of The Tawny Owl is a fantastic way to celebrate our 160th anniversary; we're proud that Arkell's Brewery is part of the fabric of Swindon."

The Link first revealed in October 2001 that developers had plans to build flats on the site, claiming that there had been no interest from brewers in buying the site for a pub. In his opening speech Mr Arkell praised the magazine for the publicity. "The Link has not only kept the local community informed from the beginning about what we have been doing, it has provided unstinting support for The Tawny Owl project."

PETS AT HOME

9l nima[Portraits beautifully drawn from

photographs

Sheila Mitchell would like to wish

all her customers a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year t

Pets at Home cares for pet needs (except dogs) in their homes - in West Swindon whilst their owners `o are away.

'

,

.

View the gallery at www,vikkiloeber.co.uk

Swindon 873062 THE DROVE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Abbeymeads Veterinary Surgery For all your pets needs when healthy or ill Unit 5 Abbeymeads Village Centre Elstree Way Abbeymeads Swindon Tel: (01793) 72t 728

Creature Comforts offers a professional, caring and reliable home pet feeding service when you are away.

You can be sure of a total peace of

For that extra specialChristnuts present order now to avoid disappointment For a free brochure, call Vikki 01793 513536 or 07799605045 v.loeber@virgin.net

For details call:

GoivAq away on holiday ov bttsivness?

Opening hours: Mon - Fri gam - 6.30pm

Saturday 12noon - 3pm Consulting hours: By appointment Mon - Fri: gam - 10.30am; 3.30pm - 5pm; 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm

24 FIR EMERGENCY SERVICE - All Sunda y and Emergency consults hs appointment at The Droc c Veterinar y, Hospital - Telephone (01793) 522483

mind service for cats and small animals within your own home (sorry, no dogs).

Contact Helen Murphy Tel: 01793 635498 Mobile: 07798 568462 E-mail: helen.murphy2@ntlworld.com

.^ =.

DOG &CAT ^► '^- GROOMING

All breeds catered for jr General health check Saturday and evening appointments available !►'= Collection & delivery service available Kind, qualified staff For more details and offers call Jo on 01793 731829 or 0798 4647744

SHAW VETERINARY CENTRE

^ Cenr( L

Shaw Village Centre, Ramleaze Drive West Swindon SN5 5PY

A friendly, caring service Jr o you and your pet David Warnes BVSc MRCVS Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.30pm Saturday

9.00am - 4.00pm

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Tel: (01793) 881919 (24 hours)

The Link Magazine • December 2003

37

Where is Swindon's most energy efficient community?

BBC Points West weather presenter Richard Angwin was on hand on 14 November to help launch Switch On Swindon!, a year long competition sponsored by RWE Innogy to find the town's most energy efficient community. Using a giant map of the UK he gave a live open air weather forecast for the year 2050 where he highlighted the problems that will occur if the country's wasteful use of energy continues to cause changes in our climate.

"This competition is open to any As a result of the buildup of Swindon-based club or organisagreenhouse gases in our atmostion, from a football club, school to phere which is making the planet a a church group," said Switch On! hotter place, he starkly predicted Swindon Project Assistant Ruth grim changes in weather patterns Baker. "It is your chance to come resulting in more extreme floods, forward and win some money for droughts and storms. your community, and do your bit Rising sea levels from melting to protect the environment for polar ice caps already threaten wildlife, our children and grandhumans, plants and animals in hot, children." low lying countries, whilst frozen The most active group will win habitats for polar bears are disap£1,000. Individual householders pearing. who improve energy efficiency at In the UK bluebell woods, the home will be entered into a prize beech tree, water voles and many draw and could win up to £500. other species will find it difficult to To sign up for the competition survive in drier conditions. or to find out more call Ruth Baker At present 25 per cent of all enon 535476 or mail: energy@ ergy in the UK is used to heat and wiltshirewildlife.org light homes. The average household could cut energy use by 75

•

per cent and make savings of up to £200 a year on fuel bills.

BBC Points West woeathcrnuin Ric hard Angwin predicting radiciii chmli es in Switch On Swindon! is looking patterns of weather by 2050 with the Mayor Derek Benfield, Swindon South for volunteers in Swindon to pro- MP Julia Drown, project worker Ruth Baker and an endangered polar bear mote the competition. The aim is The competition runs until No- home energy surveys, encouragto make people realise that energy in the home can easily be used in a vember 2004. Each community, de- ing them to install energy efficiency smarter way. This will save pounds fined as a council ward will earn measures ranging from low enoff fuel bills, protect the environ- points for organising talks and ergy light bulbs to loft insulation, ment and could win £1,000 towards events about energy efficiency, or persuading people to switch to getting householders to fill in a green power tariff. a community based project. ns1

Quality of Life Awards 03 Who is doing something to improve the quality of life in Swindon and the environment?

There are cash prizes for schools, community groups and businesses in a competition run by Swindon Local Agenda 21. Closing date for applications: 12 December.

Call the Local Agenda 21 Department on 463000 for details.

HOSPITAL

THAMESWOOD SMALL

`the only small animal hospital in North and West Swindon' 62 - 64 Purton Road, Moredon, Swindon . Tel: 01793 526780 • Full hospitalisation facilities

3 Intensive care ward and 24hr emergency service

•:- Professional and caring staff

v Separate cat, dog and rabbit wards

v Highest quali ty service at competitive prices

v Up to the door parking

v 3 minutes from Abbey Meads. Priory Vale, Taw Hill and also West Swindon We offer a friendly and high quality service and hope to care for our patients throughout their entire life both when they are healthy or unwell. Our high standard of facilities enables us to ensure your pet will be cared for through emergencies as well as routine surgery. We are open all day during the week and welcome enquiries throughout the day, however most consultations take the form of appointments Monday to Saturday.

Whenever possible, we endeavour to maintain continuity with the same veterinary surgeon and our client care staff will uy to ensure you see the vet of your choice.

Tftamesdown D

ST ANDREWS !^ RIDGE 7T

ABBEY MEADS

PRIORY

TAW HILL 11

We have many additional services ranging fr om puppy parties, weight clinics and our popular free nursing clinics for advice, worming, nail trims etc. We also have a pet behaviourist if you are having problems with a badly behaved pet.

Safeway

a

WICK '^

GREETINGS < THAMESWOOD

Than:eswood Small Animal Hospital ^^ o 9 wishes all your ke \ yLdy pets a happy and ^I ' healthy Christmas '`^ TO SWINDON * VET

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk We're here to help.

HAYDON

SEASONS

Remember to check out our website for monthly updated true life stories, special offers, veterinary advice and much more.

For more information, call in and see us or ring on 526780.

;

rive

VALE Should your pet require a stay in the hospital, we can arrange visiting hours and your assigned nurse will be able to keep you updated regularly on your pet's progress.

A419

To

WEST SWINDON

38 The Link Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ December 2003

More paper products collected for reuse Swindon residents will find recycling their Christmas cards and packaging easier this year when the range of paper products collected is extended from 1 December.

The doorstep collection provided by Swindon Services covers 28,000 homes and now accepts cardboard based material, in addition to the existing newspapers, magazines and junk mail.

The cardboard may include packaging from foodstuffs and boxes. The only proviso is that the card must be clean and contained within the recycling box issued to households.

Council recycling officer Andrew Cook says the collection service covers about 30 per cent of homes in Swindon and currently diverts 200 tons of paper a month from landfill. By collecting cardboard the target is at least 300 tons.

He said, the amount of food packaging and cardboard boxes from electrical and DIY stores is massive, about four per cent of recyclable waste. If we divert it from the waste stream we can reduce the amount going into the ground and recycle it into new paper based products like corrugated card."

Contractors Severnside Recycling will sort the material and send it to a sister company which runs a paper mill.

However a major problem is that only about fifty per cent of households covered by the door step collection are making use of it. "We need to get at least 70 per cent of households using this service.

Putting paper and card into the boxes and putting the box out on collection day is just as easy as putting it in the refuse bin, and the effort goes towards reducing environmental damage."

Every user of the service should have received a leaflet describing the changes, with dates for the forthcoming fortnightly collections.

For details call 464581 or mail: acook@swindon.go.uk

39

The Link Magazine • December 2003

Remember Christmas next summer in the garden

Jubilee Gardens Christmas Open Day Saturday 6 December 10am - 2pm 0

Everybody thinks bees only appear in large colonies, give a nasty sting and are dangerous in swarms. But this is not the case.

The Red Mason Bee, Osmia rufa the Oxford Bee The OBC is is a native to Britain and is an Company have sells a Christextremely effective pollinator of invented a simmas gift pack 't £19.95 fruit and vegetable blossom. This ple nesting sysfor docile species, safe with children tern which will whichincludes ,1 Hyacinths, crocuses. r-" and pets, is easily managed and encourage them a nest, two house plant arrangements, f ideal for gardens in urban or coun- to nest in the booklets about perennials, wreaths, cakes, the bee and try settings. These 'wild' bees are back garden, wild flowers, a dried flowers and decorations becoming more important because thereby increasof disease spreading within tradi- ing bee popuvideo about Free admission. Refreshments tional managed honey bee colo- lations and als o the Red Mason The Jubilee Gardens Project can be nies. improving plant pollination.

Bee and postage. Call 01509 261654 found at Church Bush Hall. Purton As a solitary creature most peoThe cost of the nesting tubes is to order.

Stoke (Purton to Cricklade Road) ple think the Mason Bee is 'just modest and they make a positive Information can also be found at Tel: 771539 another insect in the garden' but contribution to the environment. www.oxbeeco.com

PLANTING IMPRESSIONS

Start the year with some outdoor communal conservation work

GARDEN DESIGN

Saturday 3 January Litter picking in the Seven Fields Nature Reserve, North Swindon.

Plan now for Spring 2004 Designs commissioned this winter ready for construction in early spring.

Enjoy all Summer 2004 in your newly designed garden.

LAWN & HEDGE CUTTING

Wassail in Penhill Orchard, Leigh Road, Penhill, at the north east corner of Seven Fields. 12noon. Bring drums and instruments to drive

GENERAL GARDEN TIDY FENCE ERECTION, STAINING & MAINTENANCE

Sunday 4 January Woodland work at Peatmoor Community Woodland. 10am to 2pm

Give your garden a makeover

Way, or off Whitefield Crescent. Call Liz Emerson on 876654 for details.

CL Timber LANDSCAPE SERVICES www.horticare.co.uk Patios * Ponds

Pruning, planting

** Turfing * Fencing

Ornamental gravel

** Garden maintenance * Decking * Pergolas ALL WORK GUARANTEED

01666 860400 '

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

• Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle

• Patio cleaning, grass cutting. gardens tidied up • Turfing and grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas Contact: 01793 692687 ka&Mobile: 07711 253508

LANDSCAPIN

-

Drop by or tel: 829715 The Yard

n Ope

e: sales@kudosfencing.com

Unit 23 & 24 Oaklands Ind. Estate Braydon, Swindon Local family business o ff ering a FITTING SERVICE OR SUPPLY ONLY to trade & DIY t

y

. Closed Board/Panel or Picket Fencing

0

?

'

-

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Tel: 855800 Fax: 840139

LAM DCAP MG GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

New & old sleepers, ply, pressure treated ti mber & decking for garden use, close-board fencing

gam - Sat.) Tate Estate Kingsdown Roa St Margaret, Swindon

John & Ann Wadsworth

F_ DOCTOR

Delive ry arranged in Swindon area

Garden design

All types of fencing

Tel: 01793 873630 Mobile: 0781 8430556 e-mail: davidsmith@garden-groomers.com www.garden-groomers.com

GARDEN 1!

New & reclaimed

Winter tidy up!

Call for a free quote

PATIO & TURF LAYING

away evil spirits and sing songs for a good harvest in 2004.

Sue Talbot

No job too small- z`

N

10am to 12noon. Pickers and bags supplied. Wear strong shoes and

on 01793 873338

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN?

-A

gloves. Meet at the King Bridge in the middle of the reserve, to collect bags, or bring your own and pickup litter from the outside in, followed by

Coppicing trees to regenerate new growth and maintain a healthy wildlife habitat. Equipment and training provided. Wear strong shoes and gloves. Location: east of the fisherman's car park on Peatmoor

Call to arrange free consultation

G

'

• Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation

Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

EDEN LANDSCAPES O Paving, Walling

I

Pressure injected timber treatment Advice, repairs & refurbishment service on all fencing matters

O Fencing, Patios O Water Features

Made to measure gates

"No job too small' For reliable service and quality work

r

"&` „o^^n

p

•` 1-ft

Delivery service Free home quotations

Tel: 01367 710772 Mob: 0775 4245160

40

AMI SKIPS

2. 2 tV, 3, 4. 5 yards capacity 5 days given to fill skip

Freephone 0800 - 387613 Tel: 731610 8a m - 6p m

LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALITY?

Cete4 4 t4t 16 ye414

6 rktithq eU4L

aecor< 4 tiw 4 (t otes

Teter ^albraith

^

Handbuilt fitted bedrooms

p

tJest Swi&t ok

Offering a high standard of work with references

available.

Telephone for a free estimate: 07774 - 208527 days or 870515 eves.

House Medic

♦ Individual handhuilt finish on all bedrooms ♦ Manufactured individually to customer requirements + Choose from over 40 di fferent finishes - hardwood, pine sprayed and vinyl wrapped

• Replacement taps

• GARAGE CONVERSIONS

• Exchange suites

• EXTENSIONS

• En-suites • Tiling • Towel rails

• INTERNAL ALTERATIONS

• Shower Trays And Cubicles

• REFURDISHMENTS

• Complete Bathroom Makeovers

• MAINTENANCE WORK

• Insurance Work Undertaken

• INSURANCE WORK

the

Maintenance free UPVC fascia boards cladding & guttering Expertly fitted at DIY prices

TREE SURVEIV

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JJirej pfre

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Tel: 01793 522306

FREE FITTING SELECT AT HOME

High quality painting Et decorating

i

BUY DIRECT

Interior tt exterior For free quotations call

v NOW gam - 9pm any day

01793 634523 or 07734 779736

Swindon & Surrounds 01193 814983

(prices correct at time of publication)

COMPLETE PROPERTY SERVICES (Formerly Merlin Property Services)

+ Kitchens 4. Bathrooms + Renovations + Alterations + Industrial maintenance + Plumbing + Electrical 4. UPVC Doors & Windows + Carpentry

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t

A \ • - - J -

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-

..° \jl , y

Work it out for yourself 20' fascia board fitted 20' fascia & gutter fitted 20' fascia, soffit & gutter 20' fascia & soffit

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r S Q^3 ^^' S1S

t

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all at an affordable price

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Small Plant & Equipment Hire Specialist to Trade & DIY Power Tool Repairs and Sales

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• Power showers

Woodworking since 1969: an excellent finish and

Tel: 01793 526335

4 " • Electric showers

t-ree

ti mat

Tel: 01793 616170

If no reply 0800 21 2532 *off current prices on selected ranges

e-mail us at enquiries@albanyblinds.co.uk L w

ba n

41

}tan,e

J.F.K

BUILDING SERVICES

Specialists in PVCU, windows, doors and conservatories.

Extensions, Alterations, Renovations

II

All aspects of garden construction including fencing All general building work

• For free & friendly advice on our full range of Gufterhascia systems professionally installed and guaranteed. CALL US ON

Tel: 01793 848177 or 770596

Tel: 855700 / 855800 • Fax: 840139 Unit 23 & 24 Oaklards Ind. Est. Braydon, Swindon

22 , Ravens Walk, Wootton Bassett

Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan (01793) 727824

CARPETECH

Ck RNO VI UM

Professional Carpet & Upholste ry Cleaning

FITTED BEDROOMS

Superglide First choice for: d• Fitted bedrooms Kitchens Sliding door wardrobes

Bedside chests Dressing tables Bookcases Everything made to measure Wide range of styles & furniture

For a free estimate, call

Superglide 01793 8 61584

R ANVENTL: LNG WITH

Whatever the size of your • • • • •

Domestic & commercial Suites, curtains, rugs Stain protection Odour treatments Insecticide treatments

bedroom, whether it has sloped ceilings, features beams, chimney breasts or unusually shaped alcoves, we can design the perfect room for you.

Professional products & reliable friendly service

Dream • Design Transform • Relax

Trained to industry I standards - certificates available For a f re e quotation call 01793 771441 or 07966 100437

Call us for a free design study with no obligation

01 793 881 21 5

Choosing wallcoverings is a pleasure in our new look showroom...

ehtiot

Great news! Ike have completely P Y refurbished our Swindon showroom to tiring you an even better selection of wallpapers. paints and decorating materials i n brighter, more comfortable surroundings.

CALL JENNI FOWLER ON 812531

If; 11k

YOUR LOCAL PVC-U MANUFACTURER 4

FABRICS Great selections ia ^r plus full curtain making service. a

BLINDS Dazzling selection /

a

of Sunway & Luxaflox roller, .1 Al! the venetian and vertical blinds. 11 . leading 1

names

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• Buy direct fro m our factory `"''

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ames. Albany, Crown, / Dulux, Permoglaze. ♦ t.. Farrow & Ball, Fired Earth and Sanderson also available /^ to order.

R9 Sanderson Shand Kydd. Wilman and many more! I

lO

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ao ^/7^ v O

all WALLPAPERS: ^/ WOOD TREATMENTS Full range including Sadolin .

FABRICS & BLINDS On nredr,ciion of this advert ' Exc-special oliers. )I i and Sikkens.

--------------

^

^ ,' r/a,

Why not let us handle everything

fomstartto finish?

Call today 01793 790944 or 07973 232435 (evenings and weekends) The Marsh, Lower Wanborough. SN4 OAS

1

42

BATHROOMS

&re bathrooms general plumbing Complete Bathroom Installation • PLUMBING • TILING • ELECTRICS • EN SUITES

FREE QUOTATIONS

^^. , '^1

I

'^

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

® Plumbing

• Bathroom installation • Kitchen installation • Ceramic floor & wall tiling t • Plumbing • Fitting of wood & laminate flooring

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

M&M PROPERTY SERVICES

or 07771 998924 email: shirebathrooms@aol.com

01793 875559

Tel: 01793 723407 Mob: 07990 847623

07748 964433

Free estimates

CO NSERVATOR IES

DECORATOR

01793 431211

I ii

NATHAN PERKINS LTD

Windows Doors Porches Conservatories ^^ ^^: 10 years

Free estimates

Painting and decorating Domestic & Commercial

Full range of finishes

Insurance backed guaranteed

Tel: 01793 887690 Mobile: 07798 682271

ELECT RI CIAN

Wadsworth ELECTRICAL Quality Domestic Electrical Installations Extractor fans Outside lighting Pond pumps Power to sheds & garages Extra lights & sockets Electric showers Experienced & reliable Tel: 01793 821377 Mob: 07930 284293

HO ME MAINTE NANCE G R

SERVICES

FREE ESTIMATES Quality & Service Tel: 01793 882093 Mobile: 07957 934536

ELECTRICIAN

•

Interior/exterior painting & decorating • Wallpaper hanging •Tiling • Replacement skirtingboards, coving, picture rails • Laminate flooring fitted And other carpentry & building services No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Contact Andy: 01793 729354/07900 835116

ELECTRICAUKITCHENS

P.C. networks

`

Mobile 07711 458026

Bing & Electrical

or 07799 085252

DECO RATOR

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

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

FLOORING

Z! - ©GM

work undertaken

NIC --EICAniaroved.^nntractor

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed • 14 years experience

For a free quotation call Steve George

Call now for a free, at home consultation

Shaw Elec tr ical & Plumbing Ltd

on 874480 or 07860 760364

HOUSE/GARDEN

MAINTENANCE

07970 865883 25 Kennet Avenue, Greenmeadow

PLASTERING

& G HOUSE & GARDEN

DAL EXTERNAL & INTERNAL TWORKE

Patio repairs

Repair epair or replace ace

Guttering and Fascia ascia

basins, bath taps, ir ove rf lows repaired or replaced

Replace sockets

p

Extra sockets Outside lights

ALL WORK GUARANTEED, FULLY INSURED

Brian Jones

^ Q^ GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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SERVICES

All interior and exterior maintenance p r oblems solved • Bathrooms & • Carpentry

kitchens •Plumbing

Fascia/ cladding • small walls All carpentry entr Replacement Re and cleaning9 p • Electrical Painting External painting Grass cutting service service guaranteed Quality Hedges & trees cut Internal painting & Fully insured Friendly, reliable and Plumbing repairs decorating Special rates for senior citizens Electrical Toilets, wash competitive Free no obligation quotation 01793 487450 07774 841879

Tel: 01793 701469

^r MASTERFITTER

stic, commercial & industrial

All work guaranteed and undertaken by a qualified engineer

Mobile: 07771 617992 Building All garden work Concreting paths Small roof repairs

Glen on:

• References available

All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet

FREE QUOTES Phone 01793 877032

painting, decorating & tiling

Call

Also • Floor & wall tiling • Plastering • Plumbing • Internal & external • Building work undertaken

.J.

New electrical installations Additional sockets and lights Additional telephone points Security lighting & alarms Fault finding & repair Electric showers Rewires

Tel/Fax: 01793 723495

Roof repairs Fascia &guttering 9 9

Bathroom & kitchen installations

NEWTECH U.K. Ltd

Interior and exterior Gardening/fencing/patios

N.G. Dyer Property Maintenance

JAMES O'SULLIVAN

Ewe

independent

trading

DECORATOR

BATHROOMS/KITCHENS

Tel: 01793 434184 or 07719 272393 www.generalmaintenanceservices.co.u k Our reputation is built on your satisfaction

Plastering Servi *

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External rendering

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Plastering two coal g * Re - skimming * D ry I Min g * Coving *

New or repairs

Tel: 01793 84901 D Mobile: 0797 /7 5721 005

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Your gu-ide to h®m^e nnain1 BUILDING SERVICES_

Paul JZhind Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted UPVC windows Et doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR

G. P. Building Specialist Ltd Extensions and loft conversion specialists Also painting, decorating and paperhanging

Maintenance work undertaken Est 15 years

Fora free quotation call 07767 417079 (day) or

DECORATORS Tel:01793 701394 Mobile: 0790 0216618 Interior & exterior painting and decorating Coving • Dado rails No job too big or too small. Free estimates and friendly service

INSTALLATIONS

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For quality windows and doors Tel: 01793 331551 07775621764/07799284998 FENSAI See our advert on page 3

GARAGE DOORS

Largest stockists of top quality branded products in the South West of England

Maxwell House Maxwell Street Swindon SN1 5DR www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk • email: swindondoorservices@btinternet.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

PLUMBING General plumbing services • Radiators • Pumps }I (^ J • Tanks _ • Boilers • Cylinders • Burst pipe _ • Taps • Washing machine installed

M.P.S.

Plumbing

& Heating Services For gas central heating, bathrooms, showers and all other plumbing & heating work

CALL 01793 522579

services

O Fitted bedrooms and kitchens 7 Replacement doors & staircases J Laminate floors J Household repairs and general maintenance O Decking - supplied and fitted

ELECTRICIAN

HARDROCK

Dave Ody

services

For all your domestic & commercial requirements New installations • Showers Extensions • Extra sockets Re-wires • Security lighting New fuse boards Free quotes 24hr call out facility

Tel: 01193 772268

Tel: 01793 878609 Mobile: 07885 543294

drop kerbs and edgings, etc.

Complete tarmac

HEATING & PLUMBING I ROB HALL

HEATING, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES

Don't be left out in the COLD this winter!

All gas appliances serviced, repaired & installed Landlord/moving house safety inspections • Bathroom suites installed and all other plumbing work undertaken Central heating systems flushed (powe rf lush) • Hot water systems descaled Quote on request • 24 hour call out Natural gas & LPG qualified British Gas trained

Tel: 01793 513796

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DRIVEWAYS

HEATING & PLUMBING I

• Up and Over, Roller & Sectional Garage Doors • Remote Operation Doors fiGARAGED00R • 2 Year Guarantee = • Maintenance Free Doors • Superb Security Locking Facilities • Highly trained fitters < N! • Full Back-up services • Broken Handles & Cables Replaced

D&I calrglent

Kevin Cook

Driveways, paths, i

43

Tel: 814833 or 0 7 776 142981

SURFACING

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Free no obligation quotes

01793 43 8 76 (eve)

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CAR PENTRY

BUILDING SE RVICES

DOUBLE GLAZING

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Tel: 722449 • Mob: 07956410982

Central heating installations, boiler servicing and repairs, bathroom and power showers All aspects of plumbing

Tel:

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01793 815254 Reg:87606

PLUMBING & HE ATING

PLUMBING & HEATING

Quality Plumbing & Heating

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD

• Central heating installa ti on • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Outside taps • Power showers / • Bathroom installations ,^a^oa

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

RJ

PEARCE

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates •

All work guaranteed

• No job too small

A local service

by

a o s Crcfy X03

Tel: 01793 435392

Kevin Rolfe

MOBILE: 0781 6906437 mps.uk@btinternet.com

Reg Na 67416

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

For further details call Richard on 01 793 879156 or 07747 723606

SERVICE

44

ACCOUNTANCY

ACCOUNTANCY H.S.A. Accounting Services

TA 0

for all your accounting needs

T A X A s s I s T DIRECT

The tax and accountancy service for small businesses and taxpayers Self assessment • Tax returns Annual accounts • Book-keeping PAYE • VAT etc • Employed Self employed • In business

For a free initial discussion call Lyndon Day Tel/Fax: 01793 766000

Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you with: VAT Returns • Tax Returns Payrolls • Construction Industry Partnerships • Sole-traders We offer a tailored service to suit all your needs Call us now for a free no obligation quote Tel: 01793 632249 Mobile: 07810 543325 he l e n @ h saaccou nting s ervices.fsnet.co.uk

CARPET CLEANING

BOOK-KEEPING

^^ f f Whlteway

J Savage

Complete

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

Book-keeping

Se rv ices

• Carpets, rugs, cu tains. suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured NE r

• Management accounts • VAT return Sage - payroll • Sage-accounting Self assessment Small business • Self employed For a professional & friendly service

call 01793 616170 for a free no obligation consultation

• Quickly usable ®®

You'll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent 011 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 I' mail: cliff.whitewav@btinternet. con,

HEATING ENGINEER I

GAS SERVICES

Don't get caught cold this winter!!

F;,,'

LAS Heating GAS CARE LPG & NATURAL GAS SERVICES • Fires a fireplaces • Cookers a Hobs • Boilers

• Boiler changes

Dennis Brown. Gas Engineer

Tel: 01666 860119 Mobile: 07768 027860 BRITISH GAS t CONTRACTOR

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for service, repair and installation of all gas appliances 200216 and heating systems.

Competitive rates, British Gas trained Call Lee on 01793 877214 or 07956 410981

AERIAL SE R VICES

AERIAL SERVICES

Aerial & Television

CHRIS PAYNE

Services • • • • •

TV & FM aerials Extra satellite points Video & TV repairs Freeview installation Signal amplifiers

No call out charge

All work guaranteed Tel: 01793 702601 Mobile: 07774 943 783

COMPUTER SUPPO

11 SIGMA Computer Solutions NEW PCs/Spares/Repairs Upgrades/Service/Support Internet & Network Solutions For friendly EXPERT advice & PROMPT on-site service

Tel: 01793 633924 Mobile: 0781 6014363 sales@sigmacomputersolutions.co.uk

INTERNET

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Tel: 01793 772888

Single Items / Full House Long / Short Distance

Storage Specialists Packing Service Late Bookings

THE MAN WITH A VAN (Est 1993) • 24hrs - 7 days a week • Single items to a full house 8 different size vehicles • • Disposal of unwanted items

Tel (01793) 727307 Mob 07811 188564

Tel: 01793 772888 Fax: 01793 772444

WWW.ABBEYMOVE.CO.UK

EMail: ashobbs@theashgroup.freeserve.co.uk

& SATELLITE SYSTEMS *^ Satellite TV * Sky & digital terrestial * Extra TV, telephone & electrical points

* Storm damage SKY

Tel: 01793 700078

Mobile: 0111 6236415

COMPUTER WORK

OWN A COMPUTER?

Why not put it to work?

Home based opportunity Contact: www.learnasyouearn.uk.net or call 01793 706289

IRONING

Creaseless Ironing Services Are you happy with the way your website is helping your business?

Has it been recently revamped?

Has it been optimised for the search engines?

What ever your trade we can review or design your business website and our package is not as expensive as you may think. for free telephone consultation ring 01793 875854: 07708 333661 oremailinfo@structured.co.uk

REMOVALS/STORAGE REMOVALS & STORAGE I I RUBBISH REMOVALS

ABBEY MOVE

AERIALS

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC RUBBISH DISPOSAL DEMOLITION HOUSE CLEARANCE You name it, we move it Quick and clean service Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Tel: 01793 772268

by Kas

One-off, weekly, fortnightly or simply whenever!

Pick up and delivery back to your front door the next day.

Good Prices

Call Karen

fib

01793 341644

Mobile: 07752 020722

SECURITY SYSTEM S ssaib I

II

CrownSeC1l1'1 Burglar alarms

Access controls CCTV • Fire alarms

Installed, repaired, maintained 24 hour monitoring for police response

For details call Doug Marsh all on 433999

45

SECTOR AIRPORT TRAVEL

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ARCHITECTURAL

i ►

AIRPOR _ TS

rest

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

ARCHITECTURAL Same day, local service wherever possible

• Most leading

Washing Machines

brands

• Guaranteed repairs • Same day service

Complete design, plans, and planning service for

Jusr Tim JoB

Refurbishments

A SUDS

For prompt service, tel: 321943

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

DRAINS

& 44ett

Quality cleaning with pride and care

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S ;tvica€ Sezucce4

Commercial & Domestic Services Agency

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST

SPARES • REPAIRS • SERVICE

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO CLEAN. We offer: - ^r7

• Regular house cleaning • Ironing p • Gardening • Carpet cleaning r' • Also office cleaning service For full details, call us on 01793 861112 (teVfax)

IRONING

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• CCTV sur eys • High pressure jetting • Pipe relining • Locally based - competitive rates • 24 hour call out • No call out charge

Tel: 01793 435392 OVEN CLEANING

1 CL.'AN^ LH IRONING SERVICES

Conversions

No call out charge • No VAT

Tel: 725 000 DOMESTIC HELP

New build Extensions

Twin Tubs, etc.

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

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

(est. 1998)

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT From a 13 amp fuse or cleaner bag to fridges or vacuum cleaners we offer an efficient & personal service.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE 11 The Arcade, High Street Wootton Bassett Tel: 01793 854378

GARDEN SERVICES Grass cutting Hedge trimming • Regular, occasional or one-off • Long grass no problem • Clean. tidy work • Sensible prices • Odd jobs, fencing repairs, etc.

Friendly. 7 day service

Chris Reed Swindon 538839 Mobile: 07702 285865

REMOVALS/PACKING/STORAGE DENNIS'S REMOVALS THORNHILL IND ESTATE SOUTH MARSTON, SWINDON SN3 4TA

TEL: (01793) 828224 FAX : (01793) 828248

IRONING A CHORE??

NOT ANYMORE!!

Ironing collected & returned to your door within 24 hours.

Fully insured For a friendly, reliable service telephone 321665

We use caustic free cleaning products with a fresh solution each time. Hobs, extractors, microwaves and barbecue grills also undertaken

Established over 30 years • UK & European domestic moves Container storage in our own on-site secure warehouse Professionally trained staff • Packing materials supplied Packing service available • Commercial removals & storage Archive storage & document retrieval Confidential shredding and disposal • Free Estimates

TV & VIDEO REPAIR!] WEB DESIG N/P C

SKIP HIRE BASSETT S

To book your Oven Clean call 01793 520362

LTD

2, 4 or 6 ton skips Same day o ff road delivery 20 to 40 yard roll-on roll-off containers J Hire the grab lorry to pick up a pile of waste J Hardcore/crushed

GOGGLEBOX TV & VIDEO REPAIR SERVICE Free home estimates

concrete available

No call out charge

7 Domestic, industrial or commercial

* All repairs guaranteed

Tel: 01793 848951 I I Tel: 01793 - 812738

WINDOW CLEANING

ROBAYn£ COMPU7infg S£^2UJC£S .CID Established 1993 + Fully Qualified Web Design + One-to-One PC Training + Internet & Email + Word & Excel + Digital Photography + Web Design & HTML + Competitive Hourly Rates Contact Alayne on 01793 875647 www.robaynecomputing.biz email: info@robaynecomputing.biz

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All windows (domestic & commercial) Conservatories Fascias and cladding Also gutter clearing service Local, reliable and competitive Call Andy or Neil on 01793 875732 or 613489

46 The Link Magazine • December 2003 GUITAR TUITION

LEARN TO PLAY THE VIOLIN with

01793 700099

1- All levels - Beginners welcome ' Electric or Acoustic â Most styles â Setups Call Andy Hobbs on 824907 or mobile 07742 093572

http://www.mab.tgis.co.uk

http:/Jmembers.lycos.co.uk/

Swindon Suzuki Strings r

Suitable for all ages

J a

I

Digital Cameras PCs, Laptops

& Accessories

sC SERVICES

/'

-

We transfer anything onto DVD Disc - Cine Film, Video tape, Wedding Photos Phone for a leaflet or advice

Specialising in supplying and sourcing pre-owned, refurbished & end of line Also PC Services Setup, spares, upgrades, tuition etc.

Please telephone, fax or email with your requirements Amos Computer Technology Solutions T: 01793 531201 M: 07747 747000

Tel: 01793 705333 Mobile: 07831 575758 H.Q. Bath PO Box 2079 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 3TJ

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AMETHYST ^^1.

CRYSTAL & ^ REIKI HEALING

Julie Hopkins Crystal Healer & Reiki Master Tel: 01793 870109 Back pain, depression, fatigue, stress and many other ailments can be relieved by REFLEXOLOGY & REIKI For further information call Simone Campbell

N1.LLR. (Reg'd) 01793 511416

DECOTEX

Too busy for housework?

Painter & Decorator

an established, reliable

Fax: 01793 430774

Specialist Artexing

Email: sales@Namos-uk.com website: www.amos-uk.com

Tel: (01793) 791388

FLEXIBLE PART TIME J OB OR NEW CAREER

Domestic cleaning by professional.

Very reasonable rates 01793 614247 or 07792 568072

LI

PURE TSST CE Aromatherapy • Rei1L Indian 5I'ead t(assage Ear Camffingt St Andrews Ridge . rea To book an appointment call Barbara on 0 7986 042 366 uk

D. 21pko(stery Upholstc/ )' 1 Jxui/s c= recovering from £ 1 8 Large range of materials or in your own For . frn-ther details

call 01793 871808

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

For Sale

Girls Raleigh Salsa bike. 24" wheels, 15 gears, suit 8+, vgc. Tel: 523726

Dolls pushchair, raincover, basket underneath, li ke new, excellent condition, Zaf creation babyborn pink, £20. Tel: 728732

White bedroom cabinet, 2 deep shelves and deep drawer h 3' x depth 16" , matching triple mirrors with gold trim, £75 ono. Tel: 536087

Portable massager Pro shiatsu, £20. Tel:485550

Britax first stage car seat with head support, vgc, £10 ono. Tel: 347622

Bunk bed, tubular steel, silver, with ladder, lower part settee/double bed, futon mattresses, £150.

Tel: 07717 292800

Boys bike, BMX, suit 5 years+, 6 months old, vgc, £35 ono. Tel: 480734

Child bike seats, high back, footrests, 3 point safety harness, suitable 18 months upwards, £10 each. Tel: 877918

Taiyo Edge r/c hovercraft, unwanted present, one month old, good cond, £85, no offers. Tel: 644288

McLaren 2 in 1 pram/pushchair, complete with cover, raincover. cosytoes and sun canopy. £40 ono. Tel: 876384

Manchester United grey fleece, youth 34". Grey sweatshirt, mans large, 43" vgc. £2.50 each. Tel:

Britax Club Class Extra car seat, up to 13kg, navy blue, turtle design, good cond. £40. Tel: 729663

Mens brown leather jacket. size large, genuine leather, as new, £20. Tel: 526007

Mothercare pushchair & shopping basket

underneath, sun hood. cosytoes, raincover, laydown position, £30. Tel: 729663

Electric walking machine, Weider TM100 with Accusmart fitness monitor, good condition. £55 ono. Tel: 07976 889290

Mothercare cot with safety mattress and protector. single handed drop side mechanism, £25. Tel:

Cosmopolitan ladies watch, brand new, in box, diamond detail around watch face, £15. Tel: 881353

704169

Ski suit, lady's/girl's, medium, as new, £50, no offers. Tel: 07941 987507

lorry multi-gym walker, suitable from birth, in Argos catalogue, £10. ELC musical Funky Footsteps mat, £8. Tel: 729663 Kingswood 3 wheel pushchair with raincover & cosytoes, excel condition, £45. Tel: 07929 983062 Luxury McLaren buggy. £14. Baby walker, £6.

Britax carseat 2nd stage. £10. All vgc. Tel: 481 004 Double pushchair £40. Travel cot, £15. Tricycle £10. Bike seat £5. Rocker £5. Tunnel £5. Baby walker £3. Tel: 729747 Car seat, stage 2 (6 months to 4yrs), Britax Eclipse, good condition, strong & comfortable, extra foam padding. £40. Tel: 725086 Bob The Builder work bench and tools, one year old, £30 ono. Tel: 433484 Little Tikes large plastic climbing frame and slide, £50. Tel: 872945

631314

Cu rtains, 72" drop, various colours, excellent condition, £5 each pair. Single duvet covers, various colours, £3. Tel: 881793 Double cast iron Victorian bed frame, black & gold, excellent condition, £150. Tel: 887833 Mahogany wall unit, 5ft long, four cupboards and drawers, drinks cabinet & glass display, £100. Tel: 870175

Sofas-3 seater and 2 seater, mid blue, removable washable covers, good condition, £75. Tel: 541189 Two 2 seater green settees, excellent condition. £55 each. Tel: 339687 Three piece suite, made by Chalford Chairs, green floral fabric, vgc, £250. Tel: 724225 100% wool rug, 4's 6', dark green, £60. 30" black suitcase, pull along, used once, £15. Tel: 341772

Conservatory suite, green and terracotta design with pine frame. £1 50 ono. Antique pine full length mirror, £5. Ikea wavy full length mirror. £5. Computer table. £10.2 Ikea wall mounted shelf units in birch finish. Benno. £10 for pair. Tel: 349346 Two seater settee, blue floral pattern, £25. Tel: 432320

Free private for Sale & Wanted ads

Send to: The Link, Papermakers House, Riveillall Road, Westlea, JWlnaon JIND IOU,

Tasco telescope. 15 - 45 x 50 zoom, table top tripod, matt black, boxed, excellent condition, £30.

Tel: 881353 19" colour PC monitor, £40 ono. Tel: 703642

Mahogany table & 4 chairs. vgc, £50. Black uplighterwith spotlight & dimmer. £10. Office chair, grey fleck, £10. Tel: 702468

Answerphone £30. Call record unit £10. Large combi torch £10. Phone £5. TV amplifier £5. Tel: 871006

White kitchen table with ceramic white tiles on tabletop. comes with 2 stools, £15. Tel: 704169

Playstation 1 plus two controllers, plus Topdrive steering wheel & games. as new. £15. Tel:637858

Coal basket fire, two 19kg Propane bottle, auto change over, valve, offers, buyer collects. Tel:

Play Station 2 games: Fits Football 2003, Pro Evollition Soccer 2, £3.50 each. Tel: 631314 after 6

813162

Neff white double oven and gas hob, brand new, worth £900. selling for £500. Tel: 704581 Cannon gas cooker with glass lid, double oven hardly used, £100. Conservatory wicker three piece suite, ago. £60. Tel: 876070 Fridge freezer, Lec, good working order, white, buyer collects. Tel: 887231 Royal hostess trolley, £50. Terracotta curtains: 7ft x 4ft; 4ft 4in x 5ft bins; 4 cushions, £20. Tel: 347507

Large Antler pull-along suitcase, green used once.

Canoe, collapsible. C1940s, new skin, timber frame, vgc, £20 ono. Tel: 01285 860473 Fender Squierelectric guitar. red with case, brilliant for beginner. £120 ono. Tel. 872541 (eves) Replica Les Paul guitar. maple finish with hard Clarinet, nearly new, Buffet 810. £100 ono. Tel: 07970 977586

Accordion keyboard, German style, good working condition with case. £50. Tel: 872833 Large double keyboard organ by Kawai (theatre

L --------------------1

Selection of horse & pony books. excellent

condition, £15. Kingfisher children's encyclopedia, boxed. excellent cond. £10. Tel: 872661

JVC hi-fi 3 disc CD £60. Aiwa mini system £40.

Pine wardrobe £50. Desk £40. Patio slabs £15. All excellent condition. Tel: 725985

case, £120 ono. Tel: 872541 (eves)

Name & Address (not for publication)

00 gauge rolling stock, Hornby & bits, £30. Quick set Dumpy level & staff, £10. Tel: 611853

Two silver framed bunk beds with double pull out futons. complete with mattress, £150 each. Tel: 07799 484465

£30 ono. Tel: 347622

r

Collectors porcelain ballerina doll from USA in display case, one of several beautiful dolls, all as new, ideal gifts. £12 to £15. Tel: 617694

Mega Drive/PC (386) and games, Sonic 1, 2, 3 and others. £20. Tel: 872945 Computer, Pentium PI66, monitor. sound card, speakers, Windows 95, £30. Tel: 875290 New HP laserjetcartridgefor model 4L/4D printers, cost £60, accept £25. Tel: 728206 Two free gas Propane bottles 19kg, must be collected. Tel: 813162 Lawn mower, non electric, £20. Curtains, 2 pairs, green, tie back, pelmet, lined, £40. Tel: 874767 Electric Powerchair, folds for storage, two new batteries, excellent condition, £250. Tel: 695476 , rider Major, very little used, Shoprider scooter, Sun excel condition, with accessories, cost £1,658 sell for £600 ono. Tel: 612614 Peugeot 106 XND. green, 1997, new MOT, 6 months tax, economical, good condition, 65,000 miles, £2,200 ono. Tel: 636965 Audi 1.85 F reg, MOT to Oct 2004. £1,500 ono.

Tel: 871174 M reg Probe, 31,000 miles. FSH, vgc, PAS, c/ locking, sunroof, new tyres. MOT, e/mirrors, stereo/ cassette. airbags. £2,750 ono. Tel: 07810 480485

type) £30. Tel: 872945

Wanted

Organ Technics U 60, excellent condition, £150.

Up and over garage door. 7' x 6'S", with tracking, will collect. Tel: 881413

Tel: 886043

Church Services this Christmas All Saints, Lydiard Millicent 7.30pm Monday 8th 10.30am Sunday 14th 6.30pm Sunday 21st Wednesday 24th 5pm Wednesday 24th 11.30pm Christmas Day 8am Christmas Day 10.30am Sunday 18 Jan 10.30am

Christmas Chimes Concert - Parish Hall Family Nativity Service Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve Crib Service Midnight Communion Christmas Day Holy Communion Christmas Day Family Service Christingle Service

Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Family Nativity Service Sundayl 4th 10.30am 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Sunday 21st Christmas Eve Crib Service Wednesday 24th 3.30pm Midnight Communion Service Wednesday 24th 11.30pm Christmas Day Family Communion Christmas Day 10.30am Christingle Service Sunday 25 Jan 10.30am St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze (the Church in the Park) Family Nativity Service Sunday 14th 10am Carols by Candlelight Sunday 21st 6.30pm Christmas Eve Crib Service Wednesday 24th 4.00pm Midnight Communion Service Wednesday 24th 11.30pm Christmas Day Family Communion Christmas Day 1Oam Christingle Service Sunday 18 Jan 10am Toothill Church, Toothill Village Centre Family Nativity Service 10.45am Sundayl4th Carol Service Sunday 21st 10.45am Christingle 4pm Sunday 21st Midnight Communion Service Wednesday 24th 11 pm Christmas Day Family Service Christmas Day 1Oam Westlea Church, Westlea School Family Nativity Service Sunday 14th 10am Carol Service Sunday 21st 6.30pm Christmas Eve Crib Service Wednesday 24th 3pm 1 Oam Christmas Day Family Communion Christmas Day Swindon Family Church, Winner's Lounge, Swindon Town FC All-age Family Service 10.30am Sunday 21st St Andrew's Methodist Church, Moredon Road All Age Worship Sunday 21st 10.30am 6pm Carol Service Sunday 21st Christmas Eve Communion Wednesday 24th 11.30pm 10.30am Christmas Day Service Christmas Day St Andrew's Church. Blunsdon Traditional Lessons & Carols 4pm Sunday 14th Family Nativity Service Sunday 21st 3pm Midnight Holy Communion Wednesday 24th 11.30pm 1 Oam Family Holy Communion Christmas Day

?Interested in finding out more about Christianity?

Why not join us for an Alpha Course starting in January on a Wednesday evening at Freshbrook Evangelical Church Worsley Road, Freshbrook?

tAllphe

If you would like to know more contact us on 01793 873050 or office@freshbrook.org

Taw Hill Worship Centre 10.30am Sunday 14th

Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Carol Service outside Asda Walmart Wednesday 10th 6.30pm Christingle Service. Bring your own 4pm Sunday 14th orange: other materials will be provided 7.45pm Carol Concert by the Wessex Choir in aid Tuesday 16th of Church funds. Tickets. ÂŁ5, from Swindon Information Centre or church members Christmas Day Service 1 Oam Christmas Day St Mary's Catholic Church, Tovey Road, Swindon Carol Service 4pm Sunday 21st 7pm Christmas Eve Family Mass December 24th Christmas Midnight Mass (Carols 11.30pm) 12am December 24th Christmas Day Mass Christmas Day 1Oam Penhill URC, Penhill Drive Sunday 21st 6pm 1 Oam Christmas Day

St. John's, Haydon Wick - next to Safeway Christingle Service 4pm Sunday 14th All Age Carols 11 am Sunday 21 st Seven Lessons and Carols Sunday 21st 6.30pm Midnight Communion Wednesday 24th 11.30pm All Age Carols on Christmas Morning 1 Oam Christmas Day

Caring this Christmas Christmas Care is providing temporary shelter for homeless and lonely people and those in need over the Christmas period.

Individuals and families are invited to join the project which will run from Wednesday 24 December, 4pm until Sunday 28 December, at Queen's Drive Methodist Church, Park South.

Volunteers are required to prepare and run the project.

Also needed are sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, towels and toiletries, warm clothing, shoes, food,

and donations of money.

The church will be open to collect donated items on Wednesday 17 December and Friday 19 December, 7pm to 9pm and on Saturday 20 December, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Donations can also be left at Swindon Information Centre, Regent Street.

For further information call Patsy Moloney on 642368.

West Swindon & the Lydiards churches All Saints', Lydiard Millicent

SUNDAYS 10.30AM

Holy Trinity, Shaw

WINNER'S LOUNGE

St Mary's, Lydiard Tregoze

SWINDON TOWN FC

A New frontiers church

Candlelit Carol Service All-age Family Worship

Emmanuel URC, High Steet, Haydon Wick Candlelit Carol Service 6pm Sunday 21st Midnight Communion Wednesday 24th 11.30pm Christmas Family Worship 11am Christmas Day

SWINDON FAMILY CHURCH

For details visit our website at www.sfc-uk.org , call Nigel on 526130 or e-mail: info_west@sfc-u k. org

Christmas Communion followed by bring & share lunch

Toothill Church; Westlea Church

`For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.' John 3:16

For details of our weekly services please contact the Partnership Office on 874221

LINK

01793 465435 Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL www.swindon.gov.iik/iceshow

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Services

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