December 2008 Swindon Link

Help launch Aladdin at the Wyvern - see page 2

Win a free game at LaserQuest - see page 28

No. 319 December 2008 • Circulation 27,000

Merry Christmas & a peaceful New Year

Central Library open to all After 50 years in temporary buildings Swindon now has a central library to shout about.

See the bigger picture on page 27 and images at www.swindonlink.com Job done. Swindon Council architect Nic Newland from Grange Park relaxing in the first floor reading gallery in the library at the top of Regent Street

Olympian impressed by Swindon schools’ sports Dame Kelly Holmes with youngsters from Bridlewood Primary, Mayah Craig, Emily Brailsford, James Winfield, Tim Lowe. More photos on page 31

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST IN 2009 Call us about the excellent education & daycare at

MEADOWPARK NURSERY & PRE-PREP SCHOOL Kevin visits town’s cultural asset • • • • •

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McLoud dropped into Lower Shaw Farm in November to research his Swindon ecobuilding project See page 5

Sale

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A Happy Christmas to all families

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Forefront would like to wish all their past, present & future customers a very happy Christmas Santa would also like to point out that it only costs £800 to sell your home with Forefront!

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20/11/08 14:56:39

2

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Collection to aid cancer charity at Aladdin opening night

Where will you be on Friday 5 December? The Link has joined the Wyvern Theatre to launch this year’s pantomime spectacular and Swindon parent run charity CALM (Cancer & Leukaemia Movement) will benefit from an after-show collection.

Richard and his There are usually around twenty trips, a barbecue and a Christmas children going through treatment party to give the children something wife, Marianne, were for cancer and leukaemia in the to look forward to in-between told about CALM by their oncology nurse area covered by Great Western treatments.

Chairman Richard Crowley, and felt encouraged Hospital.

CALM offers parents telephone spreads the word about the work after talking with othsupport from others who un- of CALM and the message hits er parents. “We spoke derstand what they are going home as he speaks from personal to people who were experience. His son, Andrew, was two years into treatthrough.

As well as emotional and physical diagnosed with leukaemia three ment and that gave us strain, families often face additional years ago when he was two and a a lot of reassurance,” expenses and CALM provides half. Within days of noticing a lump said Richard.

They started to grants to help with the costs such on Andrew’s neck, he faced life as car parking and eating out when threatening surgery and the whole attend social events children have to visit regional family from Middleleaze found and received help Richard and Marianne with Daniel, left, and Andrew themselves getting to grips with the from the family support worker for Andrew, who attends Tregoze hospitals. funded by the charity. She was able Primary School. However, they The charity also organises events, reality of cancer treatments. to help with household chores and have to be vigilant as chemotherapy looking after Andrew’s brother reduces immunity and they have worked closely with the school to Daniel, now aged 9.

“When Andrew was quite poorly minimise the risk of picking up and on very aggressive chemo he further infection.

Enjoy the Wyvern Theatre’s biggest, most innovative pantomime would spend almost the whole day Looking forward to the end of ever with a magical genie emerging from the lamp and dancing on the sofa without the strength to Andrew’s treatment in January, around the auditorium on Friday 5 December, 7pm. do anything,” said Richard. “To Richard said, “we’ve been quite have somebody who could take lucky with Andrew that everything The Link has teamed up with the Wyvern Theatre to offer: Daniel bowling, to the cinema or to has been quite text book and has • £1 off each ticket; gone according to plan. We can reasa park was really important.”

• the chance to meet Abanazar (Shaun Williamson) after the show; Between treatments, the family sure other parents that there can be was able to take time out and stay difficult times but there will be good • Wyvern goody bags; times in between chemo.” in a caravan owned by CALM. • an after-show collection in aid of Swindon CALM www.calm.charity.org After the initial treatment, RichCall the Wyvern box office on 524481 to book, quoting Swindon Link ard and Marianne have managed • Abanazar is on the way to Swindon. www.wyverntheatre.org.uk to keep life as normal as possible See page 29.

Book now for the Wyvern/Link 3-D genie panto extravaganza

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 2

21/11/08 11:08:12

swindonlink.com • December 2008

A message from the Mayor Mayor of Swindon Steve Wakefield conveys his seasons’ greetings

3

CYCLE REPAIRS Free collection

Christmas is a great Christian Festival: it is the time when Christians celebrate that, when things seemed & delivery from at their darkest, hope and new life came quietly into the world to change the way people lived. home or work because they are in places of war, It also allows a period in the year ★ Servicing & repairs but some will be separated by the when people of all faiths and beliefs ★ New cycles Over 25 yrs domestic demands of the festive can reflect on their lives and spend experience ★ Parts & accessories period. Shop workers, emergency time with their friends and families, services workers and health staff. a chance to relax and have some Safety alert I hope Christmas is a good time enjoyment.

Bikes bought on the internet for you all. If it is, be thankful, if In this world there is much hapor mail order must be checked not; be hopeful! pening at the moment: war, famine Please do all you can to make before being ridden. CALL NOW and the presence of terrorism.

Christmas different and if possible Financial uncertainty will be with for fast, friendly service make a difference this Christmas for us all in 2009, but we must not be Phil Mitchell: 874873 day or eve. other people. Please give, contribute daunted by any of this. There will or 07850 650956 (mobile) or support in any way that you can; be people who are separated this those that are particularly vulnerChristmas from their loved ones, able at this special time of year, such whether in hospital, care homes or as the homeless, and other vulnerable people who are aged or ill and live alone. Those outside these shores who are subjected to famine, war or natural disasters also need In December 1978 people who had moved into the first 500 homes of our help.

I have learnt during this year what was then called the ‘Western Expansion Area’ picked up a new Serving Swindon that there is much valuable work but unnamed publication from their doormats.

Geoff and Kathy Richmond with their baby daughter Kaziya spent being done by people of all faiths for 90 years several evenings pushing a pram around Toothill loaded with an 18 page and from all walks of life, and I am newsletter with local news and what’s on information Three decades especially grateful to all those in on we’re still here doing the same thing to a much wider audience and our community who all year round volunteer and give time to run local in January we’ll be celebrating what became Swindon Link.

We’d like to hear your views on what you remember of the magazine groups, social activities and raise over the last thirty years, whether it has made a difference, and also funds for charities. www.morrisonandmasters.co.uk I wish that you all will share in the what you think of it now.

Morrison & Masters Ltd goodwill of this time of year.

Send your comments to the address on page 4.

30 years on, what do you think of The Link now?

Legal problems?

We have the answers Telephone 526601

Shaw Chiropractic Clinic

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM: ❍ Backache, Leg Pain ❍ Numbness ❍ Headache & Migraine ❍ Arthritis ❍ Sports Injury ❍ Sciatica FR EE ❍ Scoliosis SPINA L ❍ Whiplash CHECK S ❍ Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to all our customers

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Also: Child Screening • Free information Sheets • Ergonomic and Rehabilitation Products

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And is also a: Member Law Society Personal Injury Panel Member Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel Call us free on

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21/11/08 11:08:51

4

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Mansfield Begbie Associates Ltd Providing mortgage services for the community since 1987

Give yourself a gift Review your mortgage before Christmas and you could be making a saving for 2009 We may be able to find you a lower interest rate.

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

Whether you’re planning to move to a new house or to remortgage your property, with over 21 years experience providing mortgages in Swindon, Mansfield Begbie Associates aim to provide an excellent and personal service.

There may be a fee payable at completion for placing your mortgage. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances but the maximum will be £300.

However, no completion no fee.

Recovery is possible - but prepare for pain in the next few months

Mike Rees of mortgage brokers Mansfield Begbie has been advertising with Swindon Link for well over 20 years and says the present crisis in the housing market is the worst he has seen - but it will end.

In these difficult times, known ernment plans to help the market now and in the future as the credit recover. This, along with the ecocrunch, many people are worried at nomic situation in America settling the press headlines on the falls in down (hopefully!) following the the stock market, drop in property election and inauguration of Barack values and the general gloomy Obama, should mean we will see a economic climate, not only in the gradual recovery, but it’s not going to be quick or easy. The cumulative UK, but worldwide.

The collapse of the banks in effect of the over-borrowing and America and the major problems poor decisions made on the world’s here in the UK with HBOS, North- financial markets have still to be ern Rock and others has added worked through.

Therefore, the general economic to the gloom which seems to be worse than at any other time I can forecast is that we should see a remember and I have worked in gradual loosening of bank lending the financial services and mortgage policies over the next 12 months sector since 1983. We, as a company, which will hopefully attract those have received more phone calls in first time buyers back into the the past few months from people market, along with the attractive wondering what they should do interest rates available at 3 per cent to improve their position than at (Bank of England base rate at the any other time since setting up in time of writing) or around 5 per cent (mortgage lenders’ variable Swindon in 1987.

The major problem with the hous- rate in the main).

This is nowhere near the 15 per ing market at present is the lack of first time buyers, as without these, cent variable mortgage rates which there is no market. This is mainly as were being offered in 1989/1990, a result of the tightening of lending when we experienced a similar fall policy by the banks who no longer in the housing market. This in itself accept applications without, in should mean a slow, but positive, the main, having at least a 10 per move in the right direction.

For those people who are coming cent deposit, and quite correctly in my opinion, ensuring all income to the end of a particular mortgage rate deal and are concerned at the sources are verified.

Too many times in the past I have increase in payments they may heard horror stories of borrowers face, the correct course of action who cannot prove their income is, as always, to look around the being granted loans way above market for a better deal, taking their affordable levels on a self- into account the fact that the lowcertification basis which inevitably est rates advertised are not always the best deals as the fees charged ends in financial disaster.

Over the next few years, we by lenders have increased over the should see the effects of recent gov- last few years.

to all Link readers

Swindon Publications Ltd. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead Swindon SN5 7EX

Mansfield Begbie Associates arranges mortgages with the majority of building societies and banks in the UK For a free mortgage consultation and further information, call us now.

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

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

www.swindonlink.com

Swindon

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

e: info@mansfieldbegbie.co.uk www.mansfieldbegbie.co.uk Mansfield Begbie Associates Limited is an appointed representative of Legal & General Partnership Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for advising on and arranging mortgages and insurance

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 4

H0096015

772779

advertising Enquiries Call (01793) 602540 or mail: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for January advertisements: 5 December “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

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

Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in Copy for Febuary: 5 January printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. sought permission. Articles and Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks.

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

Editorial copy date for January: 5 December Published: 1 January

20/11/08 14:57:31

swindonlink.com • December 2008

5

Farm helps HAB team look at 35+ years of community and sustainability

Discovering one of Swindon’s important assets, HAB team members from left, Mike Roberts, Sarah Gott, Isabel Allen, Chris Hoare, Kevin McCloud and Matt Holland

The credit crunch has slowed down final agreement on plans by Kevin McCloud to build 200 eco-homes in Gorse Hill but his development team at HAB (Happiness Architecture & Beauty) have been using their time to find out more about what makes Swindon work as a community.

Kevin has always been clear that HAB is far more than building houses. He sees the long term health and happiness of his development and the way it fits into the community around it as key to its success.

The Gorse Hill project will include a neighbourhood ‘hub’ to provide a meeting point and activity space for people moving into the homes.

The HAB team joined parents and children at the Wednesday cafe open day in early November at Lower Shaw Farm. They watched children playing in the sandpit and playhouse, and in the big barn and giant hammock. They also toured the organic garden and discussed the importance of growing and buying food from local sources.

Kevin was delighted with his first visit. “It was great to see people having a relaxed, sociable time. On the surface it looked a bit untidy but the important thing is people were organising and enjoying themselves with hardly any interference.

“We’ve all been inspired by what we’ve seen at Lower Shaw Farm; Swindon people have a tremendous and surprising asset here.”

Matt Holland of Lower Shaw Farm said the meeting had been very constructive. “There was uncertainty and handshakes on arrival, which turned to smiles and good wishes on departure.

Kevin and his colleagues were very interested in the contribution a hub like this place can make to the development of an area.

“Community and sustainability were the central aims when Lower Shaw Farm was set up in conjunction with Swindon Borough Council some 35 years ago. Those issues are even more important nowadays and we look forward to working with HAB for the wellbeing of Swindon.”

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 5

Christmas in Swindon town centre: ice rink, ski play area, children’s carousel, polar train, dashing santas, Italian market , Christmas films on the Big Screen, street theatre, community carol concerts - see details below and at www.inswindon.com

Christmas shopping hours The inSwindon team and Swindon Town retailers are trying to make your time spent shopping in Swindon Town Centre as easy and hassle free as possible and therefore have included an advanced listing of shopping hours, enabling you to plan your shopping experience whilst giving you more time to stay and enjoy the activities that are booked, and exhaust your shopping list.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday B

Christmas Lights Switch-on, 20th November from 18:30

Saturday

Sunday

I

19th Nov B F 09:00 - 18.00

20th Nov F L 09:00 - 21:00

B 21st Nov 22nd Nov B 23rd Nov 09:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 16:30

24th Nov 09:00 - 18:00

25th Nov 09:00 - 18:00

26th Nov 09:00 - 18:00

27th Nov V 28th Nov V 29th Nov V 30th Nov 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 16:30

1st Dec 09:00 - 18:00

2nd Dec 09:00 - 18:00

3rd Dec 09:00 - 18:00

D 4th Dec F S 5th Dec F S 6th Dec F S 7th Dec 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 16:30

8th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

9th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

10th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

P P P 11th Dec 12th Dec 13th Dec 14th Dec 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 16:30

15th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

16th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

17th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

T 18th Dec C M 19th Dec C M 20th Dec C M 21st Dec 09:00 - 21:00 09:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 16:30

22nd Dec 09:00 - 18:00

23rd Dec 09:00 - 18:00

24th Dec 08:00 - 18:00

25th Dec CLOSED

26th Dec 07:30 - 17:00

27th Dec 09:00 - 18:00

28th Dec 10:00 - 16:30

29th Dec 09:00 - 17:30

30th Dec 09:00 - 17:30

31st Dec 09:00 - 17:30

1st Jan CLOSED

2nd Jan 09:00 - 17:30

3rd Jan 09:00 - 17:30

4th Jan 10:00 - 16:30

Key to attractions and events Polar Bears C Carols and Carolling Santa Dash F Films I Illuminations L Lights M Markets P Polar Trains and Polar Ice S Ski Play and Ski Simulator T Street Theatre V Vision Sphere B

D

Free parking spaces available on Thursdays Swindon Town Centre has many free parking spaces available at Brunel North, Brunel West and Fleming Way (Debenhams). These spaces are free on Thursdays from the 27th November to 18th December between the hours of 18:00 and 21:00 only. Please note, vehicles using these spaces before 18:00 will be charged normal hourly rates.

Christmas in Swindon Climb aboard and explore

Town Centre

Go to www.inSwindon.com for more info

21/11/08 11:09:15

6

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Forum hears of plans for two parks

One million tons of soil are going to be imported to phase 3 of Shaw Forest Park over the next three years before tree planting can start and the public can gain access.

Abbey Meads Village Centre, Elstree Way Menu available to 12th January 2009

Classic Meal for Two Prawn Crackers Sesame Chicken on Toast Crispy Seaweed & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls Shredded Chilli Beef Roast Pork and Mushrooms Sweet & Sour Chicken Hong Kong style Egg Fried Rice Fortune Cookies

£17.88

Superior Meal for Two

Prawn Crackers Quarter Aromatic Crispy Duck Crispy Prawn Rolls Satay Chicken on Skewers & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls Crispy Seaweed Shredded Chilli Chicken Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce Egg Fried Rice & Plain Chow Mein Fortune Cookies Complementary bottle of Lambrini/Coke/Diet Coke/ two bottles of Stella upon ordering the Superior Meal

£21.88

★ Tel: 01793 703388 ★

Open: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm Open every Bank Holiday Last orders for delivery 15 mins before closing time. Debit/Credit cards accepted in shop only for orders over £7.

Free delivery within 2.5 mile radius.

See our full menu at www.rendezvous.uk.net Christmas opening hours

24th Dec 4.30pm - 11pm 25th Dec and 26th Dec Closed 31st Dec 4.30pm - 11pm 1st Jan 4.30pm - 11pm Open as usual all other days

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 6

Abbey Meads Rendezvous are licenced to deliver wine and beer

The West Swindon Forum heard on 10 November that the first two phases of Shaw Forest are now fully open to the public, but major works have just started to increase the park by half.

By 2013 the twenty year project will have turned the old landfill site into a huge 170 acre park.

Swindon Borough Checking progress on Shaw Forest Phase 3, Council waste services site manager Bob Fisher with West Swindon project manager David councillor Nick Martin Rudland said the £2 million cost of the latest phase of Sports plans for the project will be met by landfill Mouldon Hill park charges. The initial work being undertaken by contractors is to Borough Council landscape archiinstall a leachate and gas extraction tect Russell Weymouth, below, told system, landshaping and cover- the forum that he is working on ing the thirty acres with a special outline plans for junior football porous membrane before top soil pitches and possibly a cricket field is brought in. close to the entrance to Mouldon Contractors will be brought in Hill on Thamesdown Drive. to plant thousands of trees in three He said that with the funding to four years, and community tree contribution of £750,000 from North planting days similar to previous Swindon house builders, he was events on phases 1 and 2 will be working closely with the council’s planned. recreation services department to Mr Rudland said nearly all the apply for grants from the Football work is taking place behind fences. Foundation and also with Swindon “Walkers and cyclists on the River and Cricklade Railway Society and Ray parkway may sometimes come North Wilts Canal Trust to increase across machinery at work close to the available budget. the footpath and I would urge the In the medium to long term, Mr public to take care.

Weymouth hopes Mouldon Hill “People can see the work on will also include a multi-use hub phase 3 if they walk to the top of building to act as a railway station, Shaw Forest phases 1 and 2.” visitor centre and provide changing rooms for sports teams.

He said most of this year had been taken up with environmental studies because great crested newts had been found in the canal on the other side of the hill. None had been found by the lake or in Haydon Brook closeby and permission had now been granted for work to start between the park entrance and the lake built 15 years ago.

In the short term he hopes a car park will have been built by late spring so that vehicles no longer have to park on Thamesdown Drive. In response to concerns that development will disturb wildlife, Shaw Forest DVD Mr Weymouth said most of the For a free copy explaining 120 acres of the park beyond the the work on phase 3, call car park and hub building will be Bob Fisher on 07786 020886 untouched.

Residents said there has been an The DVD was made by upsurge of children and adults ridSwindon’s AVP Studios which ing mini-motos and scrambler bikes is run by Bill Blake from The on the park.

Prinnels. The company Coun Peter Greenhalgh said he recently won an award for a health & safety film commissioned would be calling on the police to

by Swindon Commercial Services deploy the off-road bikes purchased for them to deter them.

21/11/08 11:09:34

swindonlink.com • December 2008

7

Hope for idea to show support for troops

There was no response to an appeal in September’s Link for people to consider wearing red, white and blue clothing, or just a ribbon, on Fridays as a show of support for the armed forces.

Sheila is frustrated that public But with Rememberance Day in opinion surveys are often misleadearly November, and the harrowing ing and says people’s disapproval images and stories reminding us of of policies for deploying the armed the 90th anniversary since the end forces is different to lack of supof World War I, fresh in our minds, port for service men and women.

Sheila Mitchell from Westlea hopes “People are generally supportive there will be more interest in her of what our soldiers are doing in proposal for individuals to show extremely difficult circumstances. support for our armed forces.

They are not very well paid and A former Army wife Sheila, right, they don’t always have the best and her husband James continue equipment.” to be closely involved with the To support Sheila’s campaign, 9th/12th Royal Lancers in which wearing red, white and blue,” said mail: sm4hannahlightfoot@talkhe served for 40 years.

She picked up the idea of wear- Sheila. “The Veterans’ Agency is talk.net ing colours from a friend in Canada keen and details have appeared in where people wear red to show the forces’ newsletter.”

She continues to show her pride in their service personnel.

“I was disappointed at the lack colours each week, along with likeof reaction from readers, but I’m minded friends and most of James’ continuing to promote the idea of golfing partners.

We can help you beat the Credit Crunch 1 You drop it off 2 We sell it on eBay for you 3 We send you a cheque

Mayor calls for kit to help troops promote community spirit The Mayor of Swindon Steve Wakefield is appealing for football kit to help service personnel break down barriers in Afghanistan.

He wants kit of all sizes and colours - children, youth, adults - but especially shirts. They must be freshly washed without tears or holes.

Company donations would be welcome.

The mayor said, “Mike Neville, station commander at RAF Lyneham, is keen on the idea as personnel are doing a lot of community work to boost good relations around the airbase at Kandahar.”

The mayor plans to drive to RAF Lyneham to deliver donations on 5 December. To help, call his secretary on 463599 or mail: toothillandwestleacouncillor@yahoo.co.uk

FOR HIRE

Call us now 0845 22 694 22 Let Us Auction It Ltd, BSS House, Unit 36 Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon SN2 2PJ

www.letusauctionit.co.uk (Only items valued at £35 or more can be accepted)

How singing, dance and drama create a many-sided child

MEETING & SPORTS FACILITIES IN NORTH SWINDON Available at: Brimble Hill Special School • Isambard Community School Moredon Primary School • Nova Hreod College • Orchid Vale Primary School Red Oaks Primary • Uplands School

6pm - 10pm, Monday to Friday and weekends FACILITIES ON OFFER: • Floodlit All Weather Pitches • Sports Halls • General Purpose Halls • Dance Studios • Drama Studios • Classrooms • Meeting Spaces • Community Rooms • Catering available • Grass Pitches (Football, Rugby, Cricket) CURRENT LETS: • Football Teams • Indoor Cricket • Badminton • Netball • Martial Arts • Children/Adult Parties • Ballet/Dance Classes • Wellbeing/Health Sessions • Hockey • Ad-hoc bookings available

Call Sheryll (Principal) for a prospectus on

01793 791746

If your child is between 4 and 16, he or she is ready for Stagecoach. We teach them the skills they need to act, sing and dance.

Soon they begin to speak more clearly and easily, move better, act more naturally, become more confident and self aware.

These skills don’t vanish as the curtain falls.

They are learnt for life.

Schools are open during normal term time for three hours at weekends.

10+ weeks of Block Bookings are welcome with no VAT to pay* Community Groups/Organisations able to use spaces free of charge* On and Off Peak prices available on selected facilities Excellent external and internal spaces for private functions/events. Free parking* *Terms and Conditions apply

Contact Amy Hutchinson (Third Party Let Manager) for details on 01793 707592 or 07884 117185 e-mail: amy.hutchinson@laing.com

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 7

20/11/08 14:58:07

At Church this Christmas

8

The Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Sunday 7th 4pm Christingle (bring your own orange) Sunday 21st 10.30am Sunday School performance

children welcome Sunday 21st 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight.

Christmas Eve 4pm Cool Kids Crafts and Carols Christmas Eve 11.15pm Midnight Service Communion

and Reflection Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Celebrate with the family Sunday 28th 10.30am Come and Worship Christ the Lord North Swindon Baptist Church, Abbey Meads School Sunday 21st 10.30am Children’s Christmas Programme Sunday 21st 5pm Carol Service followed by light refreshments Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Service Emmanuel URC Church, Haydon Wick Sunday 21st 6pm Candlelit Carol Service followed

by refreshments Sunday 21st 8pm Carol singing in The Fox & Hounds Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10am Christmas Celebration St John’s Church, Haydon Wick Sunday 7th 4.30pm Christingle Sunday 21st 11am Carols For All Ages Sunday 21st 6.30pm Seven Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10am Christmas All Age Service

Open daily from Saturday 29 November

Southleaze Christmas Trees West Swindon’s supplier

The widest range of Christmas trees at the best prices Open daily 10am - 6pm

812322

Common Farm, Wroughton email: brendabell8@btinternet.com

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After Christmas collection and recycling service available

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 8

St Mary’s Catholic Church, Tovey Road Sunday 21st 4pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 5pm Vigil Mass Christmas Eve 7.30pm Family Mass with Music Group Christmas Eve Midnight Solemn Midnight Mass Christmas Day 9.30am Dawn Mass Christmas Day 11.45am Day Mass, St Michael’s, Highworth St Peter’s Catholic Church, Carronbridge Road, Eastleaze Christmas Eve 6pm Mass for the children Christmas Eve Midnight Sung Mass Christmas Day 10am Mass with Carols

All Saints, Lydiard Millicent (The Church in the Village) Sunday 14th 10.30am All-Age Christingle Sunday 21st 6.30pm Candle-lit Carol Service Christmas Eve 5pm All-Age Christmas Eve Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 8am Holy Communion Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Family Service

All welcome, Tuesday 2 December, 6pm Swindon Moravian Church, Dixon St. (Eastcott Hill end)

WEST SWINDON

St Andrew’s Church, Blunsdon Sunday 30 Nov 6.30pm Patronal Festival Evensong with the

Bishop of Swindon, Dr Lee Rayfield Sunday 7th 10am Children’s Crib Service Sunday 21st 4pm 9 Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10am Joint All Age Christmas Communion

Freshbrook Evangelical Church Sunday 21st 6.30pm Carol Service Christmas Day 10am Family Service

Mayor’s Annual Carol Service

Tel:

St Francis Worship Centre, Taw Hill Sunday 30 Nov 10am All Age Communion, children’s activities

& bring and share lunch Sunday 14th 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 4pm Children’s Nativity Service

St. Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze (The Church in the Park) Sunday 14th 10am Junior Nativity Service Friday 19th 7.30pm Carols in Hook Village Hall Sunday 21st 10am Christmas Miscellany Sunday 21st 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 3pm Family Crib Service Christmas Eve 11pm Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Sunday 14th 10.30am Family Special Sunday 21st 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 11pm Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Family Service Toothill Church, Toothill Village Centre Sunday 14th 4pm Family Candlelight Service Sunday 21st 10.30am Family Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service Westlea Church (meeting in Westlea School) Sunday 14 Dec 10am Family Service with Nativity Sunday 21 Dec 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 3pm Family Crib Service Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service The Redeemed Christian Church of God Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive, Toothill Saturday 20th 6pm Christmas Carols & Dinner Christmas Day 10:30am Special Christmas Service Wednesday 31st 10pm New Year Watchnight Service Gateway Church, Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Westlea Sunday 21st 10.30am Christmas Family Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Worship followed by refreshments

21/11/08 11:09:59

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Check out charity gifts before heading for the shops

Before spending a penny on presents, take a look at the Link's suggestions of gifts that can make a difference.

Local charities can receive donations when you shop online at no extra cost to you. There are ideas for charitable gifts and virtual presents to suit all budgets and interests.

If you want to buy from major retailers, including Asda, M&S and Early Learning, you can support special needs playgroup Koalas. Visit www.buy. at/koalas where you will find links to a selection of retailers who will donate from 4 per cent to 10 per cent of the order at no additional cost.

To help Swindon’s MS Therapy Centre and their Moving Soon Appeal, shop via www. buy.at/swindonmstherapy- Koalas special needs playgroup also sell really centre and to help CALM, tasty Christmas puddings (as well as chocolate Children's Cancer and Leukae- ones) as displayed by fundraising committee mia Movement, visit www.buy. coordinator Alison Field. Call Koalas on 465361 to buy one (or many) at/calm If you plan to buy from Amazon, ects in education, health care and a click via www.nspccwishes.org. help for the elderly and pre-school uk will ensure that the charity children. www.swindonocotalreceives 10 per cent of the order link.org.uk A monthly donation of £5 to price. Santa is also working with the NSPCC this year to raise money Lights for Learning, based in Cricklade, will pay for the installation via a personal letter.

Animal lovers will be pleased to of a solar powered light system receive a gift to make the lives of in a family home in Kenya. www. rescued China Moon Bears more lightsforlearning.org www.oxfam.org.uk and www. comfortable. Animals Asia has a range of gifts including a bear ham- presentaid.org have a selection of mock for £25 and a climbing frame gifts including goats, school shoes and beehives to be sent to those for £30. www.animalsasia.org Swindon Ocotal Link has gift in need.

There are good natured gifts tokens to support their work in Nicaragua. £50 will pay for a year's from www.rspb.org.uk where you bursary to send a child to school. can pay to replant a hedgerow or The charity supports several proj- sponsor a puffin.

9

Christmas at Christ the Servant ABBEY MEADS Sunday 7th December 4pm Christingle

Create your own Christingle. Bring your own orange.

Sunday 21st December 10.30am Sunday School performance Children welcome!

Sunday 21st December 6.30pm Carols by candlelight. A Class Act.

Local professional musicians singers and talent lead us.

Wednesday 24th December 4pm Cool Kids crafts and carols.

Wednesday 24th December 11.15pm Midnight Service Communion and reflection.

Thursday 25th December 10am Christmas Day Celebrate with the family.

Sunday 28th December 10.30pm Come and Worship Christ the Lord

Abbey Meads Village Centre Elstree Way, Abbey Meads Reverend Brian Sweetman

Tel: (01793) 701437 www.christtheservant.org.uk

Solar power brings hope to millions

Power for light and or an electrical device is second nature to most of us. Flick the switch and you have light, but in some parts of the world light after the sun goes down is a luxury for the well off.

But Cricklade based charity Lights for Learning is tackling the difficulties people in remote villages in Africa and poorer parts of Asia face by installing lighting systems linked to solar panels.

Inventor Roger Muggridge and a team of volunteers spent two weeks during November installing lights in some 80 rooms in three remote schools in Zambia, which will allow children and adults to study Dr Norori with Roger Mugridge examining the Lights for Learning demonstration kit in the evening.

The Link introduced Roger to Dr parts of his district and Roger may Carlos Norori, now mayor of Swin- visit Ocotal in the New Year. don’s twin town Octotal, on a visit Find out more how you can in September. He was impressed help at www.lightsforlearning. and believes the Lights for Learn- org and www.swindonocotaling system could be used in remote link.org.uk

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21/11/08 14:41:49

10 swindonlink.com • December 2008

Get healthy, stay healthy, with

Homeopathy

Phone or visit the website for information

Allergy testing 150 foods and airborne irritants tested with instant results.

No needles, no blood tests Ruth Derham, PHSH RSHom 4 High Street, Purton

Tel: 01793 771820

You might not think of yourself as a ‘carer’ - the word is most often associated in the public mind with the role of a paid worker supporting an older person in their own home.

Carers say that their top priorities But a carer is also someone who, of their responsibilities. Carers of without being paid, provides sup- people with substance misuse prob- are the need for emotional support, port to a partner, child, parent, lems may not live with the person non-judgemental listening and relative, friend or neighbour who they support and might even have information. And this is where cannot manage because of illness, a difficult relationship with them, Swindon Carers’ Centre can help.

Carers of substance misuse come but they still might provide a great disability or addiction.

There is plenty of evidence that deal of emotional support, includ- from all walks of life and backcaring can take a physical and emo- ing helping to ensure that they grounds, as do the people they are tional toll on the carer’s own health stay safe, responding to incidents caring for, and learning that there and well-being as a consequence of self-harm or overdose. They are other people who understand might provide financial support what you are going through, can if the person they love buys drugs be a source of great support.

We are urging people who care for rather than buy food or pay the rent, leading to debt problems of their or support someone misusing drugs own; and they might even take on or alcohol to get in touch.

For details call Anne on 531133 the responsibilities of bringing up their grandchildren if it is their own at Swindon Carers Centre, 1 Wood Street, Old Town, or mail: anne. child misusing drugs.

The health impacts of this con- billingham@prtc-swindon.org Open Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm. stant state of worry and responsibility can be overwhelming but can also remain ‘hidden’ because Drop-in at Swindon Carers of the stigma attached to substance Centre, 1 Wood Street misuse. This in turn can increase the Thursday 11 December, carers’ sense of loss, powerlessness and isolation. Carers themselves 10am - 11.30am report high incidence of disturbed Meet the Carers’ Support Worker sleep, depression, stress related and find about Time 4 Us physical illnesses and strained substance abuse self-help group relationships.

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Caring for someone with a drug or alcohol problem?

Many people will have seen and been moved by the Dispatches documentary on 3 November Mum loves drugs, not me which portrayed the struggles of children trying to make sense of their mother’s addiction.

Anne Billingham, Carers’ Support Worker for Substance Misuse, at Swindon Carers says many people are carers - a partner, parent, sibling or friend - and there is support for them.

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

Priory Vale Dental Practice, Millgrove Street, Redhouse Village Centre, Swindon SN25 2FW Open: Mon - Thurs 9am - 7pm / Fri 9am - 4pm Tel: 01793 745291 / Fax: 01793 745298 Milton Road Dental Practice Berkeley House, 9 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE Tel/Fax: 01793 523877

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 10

21/11/08 11:10:14

swindonlink.com • December 2008

11

Christmas Greetings from Sushma Patel and the staff at

Seasonal greetings from medical and dental practitioners in West and North Swindon

Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226 Open: Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm

& 2.15pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12noon

Shaw Village Dental Practice Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre Tel: 877422

John & Brigitte Wilkinson and Bob Bridgeman and their staff wish all their patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year New private patients welcome

Ashington House Surgery Ashington Way, Westlea, Swindon

Wishes you a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year from all the doctors, staff and patient representatives

Tel: 01793 - 614840 www.ashingtonhousesurgery.co.uk

Brendon Ball, Gerry Davies and all staff wish their patients A Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year Hygienist • Sedation • Cosmetic Dentistry Implants • Oral Surgery

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

Season’s Greetings from the staff at

Abbey Meads Dental Practice

Restorative, Preventive & Cosmetic Dentistry

Affordable Dental Care

Denplan - Private & NHS Free Car Park

01793 726288

Abbey Meads Village Centre, Swindon

Ramleaze Drive, Shaw, West Swindon Tel: 01793 874894 E-mail: enquiries@gp-j83064.nhs.uk

Seasons Greetings from Dr A Dwivedi, Dr Mathi, Dr M Awad, Dr M Rigler and their staff New patients always welcome We also have a purpose built community centre for hire. Call 877700 for booking details

Phoenix Surgery Dunwich Drive, Toothill Village Centre (01793) 600440

Taw Hill Village Centre, Aiken Road, Swindon SN25 1UH

We wish all our patients and friends A Very Merry Christmas

Reception open Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.30pm

Tel: 01793 709500 • Fax: 01793 709510 E-mail: enquiries@tawhillsurgery.nhs.uk www.tawhillsurgery.com New patients always welcome

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 11

A Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year From Dr Peter Swinyard Dr Anke Lehmkuhl Dr Mauro Bassanino and all at Phoenix Surgery

20/11/08 17:04:04

12 swindonlink.com • December 2008

Fear of a tragedy in Haydon End

Kevin Fitzgerald, who lives on Thursday Street is worried that there could be a serious accident close to his home because of inadequate safety measure in his part of Priory Vale.

Even though the bottom has Youngsters were riding down at Swindon Development Company dropped out of the housing market speed on their bikes and just shoot- said the completion of Haydon End and developers have gone into go- ing out into the road. Thank good- was determined by the economic slow mode, Kevin is frustrated by ness there have been no accidents climate. Some road surfaces will not be finished until adjacent building the slow progress on finishing off involving lorries or cars.”

Haydon End. “I’ve been here for two years having been taken in by the sales brochures, but the area looks a mess with unfinished road surfaces and builders’ material littering the place.

“I was very concerned by the lack of a barrier on the slope to the bridge over Thamesdown Drive.

J.D. Upholstery Antique & modern Repairs & re-upholstery Large range of fabrics offered

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Kevin Fitzgerald on Thursday Street, before temporary barriers were erected on the footpath to the Thamesdown Drive bridge

However Kevin’s demands sites have been completed.

But Kevin is not convinced. could take time to meet as Swindon Council will not take over roads and “When house buyers come back open spaces until work has been they could be put off by the state of Haydon End. Thankfully, after completed to their satisfaction.

Abbey Meads’ resident, council- Michael Wills MP took up the issue, lor Ian Dobie told Kevin that some two temporary barriers have been parts of his area have still not been put up, but I wonder what we’re handed over nearly 15 years after paying our council tax for. The council has got to force developers the first people arrived.

SDN link ad Nov :Layoutto1get11/11/08 09:29 the area finished off.”Page 1 A spokesman for2008 the North

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Home Choose Carpets has over 30 year’s experience of serving customers in the Swindon area.

Estimating is free. Luxury underlay, all accessories and installation are included in the price! There are no hidden extras - and no obligation.

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1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 12

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

20/11/08 15:01:04

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20/11/08 15:01:17

14 swindonlink.com • December 2008

Oakhurst parents could be denied places at their community school

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01793 855222

In the quiet North Swindon suburb, a storm has blown up over who should run its proposed primary school. The Al-Habib Muslim education trust wants to manage it as a faith school, offering 50 per cent of places to Muslim children from across Swindon, but Oakhurst parents say there will be enough children in the area to fill all the places.

In December 2007 The Link publicised a parents’ campaign to get Swindon Council and the government to fund a school at Oakhurst after their children were allocated places at schools across the town.

The school had been omitted from the North Swindon plans in 2004 when it was decided that there would be too few families in the area. Now that families have moved to Oakhurst many could find they are unable to get their children into it.

In September The Link was the only media to highlight the interest from Al-Habib Education Centre to send a crystal clear message to expressed at a seminar organised the School’s Adjudicator who will under government competition make a decision next year.

The Al-Habib proposal and rules for setting up new schools.

Abbey Meads councillor Justin the Swindon Borough Council Tomlinson said he and his col- submission to run the school were leagues were very concerned that discussed at a public meeting on local families could be denied 25 November after The Link went places. "We support the Swindon to press.

Comments on the two bids should Council community school bid; it’s the only option that will allow be made by 5 January 2009.

The details can be found with the maximum number of places to local residents. We will be work- a report of the public meeting at ing extremely hard with parents www.swindonlink.com

21/11/08 11:11:19

swindonlink.com • December 2008

15

New school provides art opportunity

When contractors put up a 200 metre plywood palisade to separate the new Shaw Ridge Primary School building site from the current school playground, the chance to turn it into a giant artwork could not be ignored.

From little acorns do clever people grow. Reception children at Shaw Ridge Primary School stretching out in their playground

Deputy headteacher Janet Archer said the building work meant that the school field had been covered in tarmac and the ten foot high barrier erected.

“We asked children to come up with their ideas on the theme of The Living World. Every child took part and there was a vast array of designs - from rainbows, to sunrises, whales and dolphins, grasshoppers, and the four seasons - all so bright and inventive. My favourite is the

football match between meercats and elephants.”

The project to decorate the panels was undertaken by teams of parent volunteers with help from children at the end of October. And all the paint was donated by parents clearing out half tins from garages and sheds.

“The parents did a great job and I’d like to thank them for making our playground really special - even temporarily,” said Janet.

We would like to offer all our loyal clients 20% off any Hair and Beauty services during the month of December.* Cre 8 Hair and Beauty believe in the philosophy of creating an ambience of customer focus and requirements.

As a Total Concept Salon we also offer a specialised service of La Biosthetique holistic treatments in hair and beauty. Treat yourself to a Spa and Pamper day with one of our Cre8tive Team.

Experiencing hair loss or skin problems? Why not consult with our fully qualified La Biosthetician for a clinic visit, you will not be disappointed. Further information at www.cre8hair.co.uk We take this opportunity to wish all our loyal clients a very Merry and Holy Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

“As Time Improves so does the “New Cre8 Team”

Call for an appointment on

Cre8 proudly introduce their young, exciting and new Cre8tive Team:Teneka, Katy, Kayleigh

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1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 15

www.cre8hair.co.uk

Ample free parking

20/11/08 15:01:44

16 swindonlink.com • December 2008

For all your Catering Hire

Enterprising pupils take on challenges

Collection in person or delivery service available.

All equipment delivered hygienically cleaned and packaged for immediate use.

Option for equipment to be returned clean or dirty.

Two enterprise days for Year 7 pupils at Nova Hreod and Greendown in early November tested teamwork, communication and decision making skills.

Space travel was the theme set at Nova with each group creating the tallest launch pad using newspaper and sticky tape and also a space ship from balloons, straws and pipe cleaners. Time management skills and logical thinking were tested as teams raced to find answers to a quiz on space and came to decisions about which items to salvage after a crash. At the end of the day presentations were made to explain why they would be suitable to go on a space mission.

Enterprise co-ordinator Laura Hamilton said she was impressed by the sustained concentration by the Year 7 group to meet the deadlines to Testing imagination and facts about space at Nova achieve the tasks set throughout the day.

Professional, yet affordable evening babysitters ELF sitters is a family run business, specialising in evening childcare in your own home For more information please call Emma 0117 230 9053 emma@elfsitters.co.uk www.elfsitters.co.uk For your peace of mind all our sitters hold an enhanced CRB disclosure

At Greendown pupils discovered that there’s more to learn from a paper bag than meets the eye.

Working in teams, they discussed affects attitudes and behavour in the for: being able to take the initiative, market opportunities before com- school, “ said enterprise coordina- being confident to speak out and ing up with a suitable eco-bag tor, Julia Wilkinson. “The pupils are to come up with ideas and make along with logos and promotional acquiring skills that employers look them work.”

During the week, Year 9 slogans. pupils took part in a World Some worked Games Challenge based through their lunch around organising the break to make their 2012 Olympics and thirty bags out of wallpaper youngsters from Year 10 lining before facing a entered the national Make panel of teachers who Your Mark challenge to decided which team come up with ideas for new would make final preand innovative products sentations. and services.

“Teamwork is essential to be successful during these enterprise Left, bags of green ideas at Greendown events, which in turn

Swindon, Wilts

01793 725095

www.crockadial.co.uk • China • Crockery • Cutlery • Glassware • Serving Aids • Light Equipment For all occasions, small or large functions Parties • Weddings • Dinner Parties • BBQs • Christenings

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

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Free Day of Dance Saturday 3rd January 2009

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20/11/08 15:02:24

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Purpose and energy at Millbrook

17

Be the star that you are at Drama Babes

Living up to its vision of Making People Feel Good, Millbrook Primary was praised by Ofsted inspectors for a caring approach and attention to individuals.

Headteacher Clare Griffin-Felton In its first inspection since the merger of Windmill Hill and Fresh- said that these results had been brook primary schools, inspectors achieved by all concerned with judged it to be satisfactory but state the new school working as a team. this rating fails to capture the sense “This report recognises what a very of purpose and energy found at happy, committed and progresMillbrook. ‘In just over one year sive school Millbrook has quickly the school has come a very long become. Everybody involved is way and has already established a so proud; you only have to spend clear identity and ambition which a short time here to realise what the school community has adopted a great place it is to learn, work with enthusiasm,’ says the report. and play.”

Chair of governors Terry Ward, Early Years’ provision is identified as good and children are able to prog- said, “this is a well deserved result; ress well. The report praised mea- delightful children, dedicated staff sures to promote pupils’ personal and inspiring leadership. Millbrook is going onwards and upwards.” development and well being.

Clare Griffin-Felton with award winning Year 6 leavers in July

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18 swindonlink.com • December 2008

Family pics make great Xmas gifts

Award winning photographer Ian Plested from North Swindon can provide an ideal present for those you love.

Ian is adept at creating a warm and not with the feeling they have relaxed atmosphere in his Cricklade been stung as they do with some studio which suits his informal, national studios,” said Ian. “I just modern style that brings out the concentrate on creating lovely memorable photographs, which at best in his portraits.

There is no fee for a typical ses- this time of the year are ideal for sion when Ian will take 40 to 50 family and friends.

See Ian’s advert on page 15 or call photos. Charges for prints start at £17.99 and there is no high pressure 752722 to book an appointment. www.redhousephotostudio.com selling. “People leave here happy

Light up a child’s Christmas with NSPCC Contact Santa and his elves at: www.nspcc.org.uk/santa

Caterpillars hunt bugs

There was a creepy crawly theme for an Abbey Meads toddler group at an event in aid of Meningitis UK. Youngsters at Caterpillars, which said Claire Hudson, mum to three meets at the Church of Christ the year old Daniel. “It’s a very worthServant, donned fancy dress for while cause.”

Jo West, who brought along her a morning in mid-November and joined in a sponsored hunt for bugs. daughter Jess, had come into conThe star attraction was Cheeky Bug, tact with meningitis in her work a giant pink furry mascot, who came as a secondary school teacher in along to lend a hand. More money Cirencester where a colleague and was raised through face painting two pupils had contracted the disease. “The whole school had to be and a raffle.

Group co-ordinator Rebecca vaccinated but I was pregnant at the Kirvar hopes the final total raised time so I couldn’t have the vaccine. will top £400. “We chose to sup- It’s very important to support this port Meningitis UK because the charity.”

There is no vaccine for the most disease mainly affects under fives.

Caterpillars could keep 25 per cent common form of the disease and of the money raised but we’re fine Meningitis UK is dedicated to financially, so all the money will go finding one.

Caterpillars meet on Monday to the charity.”

“It’s an illness that’s close to your mornings. Call Rebecca Kirvar on heart when your kids are small,” 07732 654809 for details.

Call Debbie on 01793 729903 to find out more

Real animals join Santa at Roves Farm

Christmas festivities at Roves Farm are always something special and the chance to take part in nativity plays with live farm animals is a highlight for children.

Farmer, Rupert Burr said, “we the plays there are Christmas craft put on three or four nativity plays tables involving lots of glue and glitwith farm animals every day. There ter, plus cups of tea and homemade are over 30 costumes of all sizes so mince pies for exhausted adults in everyone can dress up and join in. the Granary tearoom The cost is £7 per child and It’s a different cast for every performance and no rehearsal, so who includes a gift from Santa. Adult knows what will happen with the entry is £5.

See the advert left for opening children and animals. But we guarantee it will be a unique experience times. Just turn up or call 763939 to book a place in a nativity play. for everyone.” www.rovesfarm.co.uk In between Father Christmas and

Farmyard carols Carols by Candlelight at Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane Saturday 6 December, 6pm – 7.30pm Adult £3; child £1.50 includes mulled wine or juice, and mince pies.

An evening in the farmyard and the old cowshed, with all the right seasonal ingredients to eat, drink, and sing together - as well as a roaring fire and fire juggling Swindon Scratch Choir will lead the carols and a donation will be made to the homeless at Christmas. The evening is suitable for all ages. Dress up warmly, take a torch and turn up.

Carols with The Kentwood Choir in aid of Prospect Hospice Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth Wednesday 17 December, 6pm Adults £5, child £3 (over 5 years), includes a drink and a mince pie.

Booking essential to this very popular event. Call 763939.

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 18

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swindonlink.com • December 2008

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

Imaginative pirate picture wins a prize A brightly coloured picture by Niamh Daly from Freshbrook was chosen from 80 entries across the town in November to win a prize in the Swindon Libraries Bookstart Pirates Ahoy! competition.

Bookstart is a national programme to provide free books to under-fives to promote a life-long love of books.

Niamh, 6, who attends Tregoze Primary School, received a Long John Silver puppet, to her surprise.

She said, “me and my mum thought the prize would be a book but I like the pirate puppet; it’s the first I’ve ever had.”

Ella Cottle, 3, from Wroughton was presented with a large Bookstart bear.

19

For children and their parents Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

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

Toddlers meet at lunchtime in Shaw

Nutkinz parent and toddler group meets at Upper Shaw Farm social hall opposite Shaw Ridge Primary School for a lunchtime session from 12noon to 3pm on Tuesdays and also on Friday 9.30am to 11.30am.

The group meets throughout the year and organises seasonal themed activities. Older siblings are welcome during school holidays.

For details call Zoe John on 07919 484786

Bereaved kids not alone at Rainbow Club

A club for children coping with bereavement benefited from a fundraising beauty and wellbeing event organised by the Thyme Treatment Rooms in Westlea.

Hazel Furze, a bereavement need to do most. They talk about counsellor at GWH, felt there was what they are doing and sometimes a need for a dedicated children’s talk about other issues but it’s all group and set up Rainbow Club six very low key; often that’s all the years ago. The group meets during therapy that they need.

“They get to make friends with school holidays at Blunsdon village somebody else who knows what hall and is run by volunteers.

The young people are referred they’ve been through. There is an by health professionals and meet empathy in the room that they don’t about six times a year. Talking experience at school where they about things noted in their diaries or can be very lonely because they pictures they’ve drawn helps break feel different.”

Laura Campbell, owner of the the ice before the youngsters take part in craft activities. Occasionally Thyme Treatment rooms organised there are trips to go swimming or a fundraising morning in Novembowling and there is a barbecue in ber for the club. “I met them at their Christmas party last year when I ofthe summer.

Hazel said that the simpler ses- fered manicures and face-painting. sions in the hall can be the most I’d like to put on something once a valuable. “That’s what the children quarter for this fabulous charity.”

Free membership will save money for your family in 2009 Through our link-up with www.localkids.co.uk we are offering families a great Christmas gift - the chance to win free membership worth £14.99 provided by local kids coordinator Maria Basson localkids.co.uk provides an ever growing amount of information about actitivities for families and members to gain access to discounts from national and local attractions like Tenpin, Cineworld, Laserquest & KidsAbout There are two chances to win 20 free membership cards.

See the details at www.swindonlink.com or book a ticket to Aladdin at the Wyvern Theatre on Friday 5 December where people who join localkids.co.uk will be entered into a draw

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 19

Close to M4 junction 16, just a short drive from West Swindon For children 3 months to five years Open all year from 8am to 6pm Extensive outdoor play & garden Grant places available For information call: 01793 851495

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

Head Rush HAIR & BEAUTY

Beauty by Mandy

Hairdressing

• Waxing • Manicures

• Colouring tints - foils

• Pedicures

• Perms

• Cutting

• Spray tan

• Extensions

• Nail

extensions

• Bridal hair

• Tooth gems

• Prom hair ups

• Make Up

• Children’s haircuts

• Eye

treatments

Pamp e packa r g vouch e e availa rs ble

Back: Julie, Mandy. Front: Sheralee & Gemma

Book your r hai par ty w no

Tel: 602552

73 Basepoint, Rivermead, Westlea, Swindon Free parking • Late night Wednesday & Thursday Cash or cheque payments only

A Happy Christmas to all our customers, & thank you for all your support in our first year

20/11/08 15:03:18

20 swindonlink.com • December 2008

Support the less fortunate in the festive season Donations and helpers wanted

Freshbrook Village Centre, Swindon

Christmas Care provides temporary shelter for homeless and lonely people and those in need over the Christmas period. The project runs from 2pm on Wednesday 24 December to Sunday 28 December at Queen’s Drive Methodist Church.

The church hall on Whitbourne Avenue will be open to collect donations of food, bedding, toiletries and clothing on: • Saturday 13 December and Saturday 20 December from 10am - 3pm • Wednesday 17 December and Friday 19 December, 7pm - 9.30pm Money is needed to make the season of good cheer more welcoming for those in need. Cash or cheques (payable to Christmas Care) can be delivered to the above venue. Two chest freezers are also urgently needed.

Call Patsy Maloney on 642368 if you can help.

Two more restaurants join charity curry campaign

Community groups to the west and to the east of Swindon now have the opportunity to raise money by enjoying a curry.

A Happy Christmas from Anne and the Hairworks team For appointments call 01793 873217

Following the lead set by Hanif Robbani at the Bombay Lounge at Peatmoor, the owners of The Spice of Asia, 111 Chippenham Road, Lyneham, is offering Monday evenings to community organisations and The Gulshan Brasserie, 47 High Street, Shrivenham is available for charity bookings on the second and fourth Monday in the month.

To book an evening for your group, call: • for Spice of Asia - 01249 892223.

• for Gulshan Brasserie - 782388.

Charity nights at the Bombay Lounge are coordinated by The Link. See the dates already booked at www.swindonlink.com and then call 608840 to reserve a date.

Coming up in December at Bombay Lounge 1st Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline to provide respite care in Swindon for children from the village of Ozarichi in Belarus which is in the radiated zone affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster in 1987.

8th Swindon’s Prospect Hospice, which provides specialist care and support for people living with a life-threatening illness and their families.

15th Animals Asia which saves Moon Bears in China and Vietnam from the cruelty of bear farms Call 887799 to book a table to support these causes.

Hot curry backing on the ice

Swindon Lions under 16s player Matthew Tregelles is making an impact at the Link Centre ice rink sporting a team shirt emblazoned with the Bombay Lounge logo.

“Matthew’s family are one of my oldest customers and when his dad approached me for sponsorship I was more than happy to assist,” said Lounge owner Hanif Robbani. “The shirt looks great; it brings a whole new meaning to ‘aggressive in your face marketing.’”

When not on the ice, Matthew is a Link magazine distributor.

1 - 21 December 08 Extreme.indd 20

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21

SANTA SPECIALS

Sat 29th & Sun 30th November In December: Sat 6th & Sun 7th Sat 13 & Sun 14th Sat 20th & Sun 21st Also Sat 13th, 6pm-8pm

Getting Swindon Thinking

April 2009 sees a brand new and innovative project to bring people together, to stimulate the mind and celebrate what’s good about the town. Mike Pringle, Director of the Swindon Cultural Partnership, describes how.

A hundred and fifty years ago, Swindon was establishing itself as one of the most caring places in the country.

The hard-working people who populated Brunel’s railway works were utterly committed to the wellbeing of their fellow workers and their families. Between them, they developed the Medical Fund Hospital, the model for the National Health.The workers also formed the Mechanic’s Institute to provide education and self-improvement, and offered an outlet for employment grievances long before the advent of trade unions. And Swindon’s local paper at the time, the Advertiser, was the country’s first ‘penny’ paper, devoted to supporting Swindon’s poorer residents.

In the light of the town’s magnificent new central library, it is worth noting that Swindon’s very first public library was created several years before anywhere else in England had such a facility.

Today we continue the tradition of being a place that cares about

Anne Frank - in Swindon ©

AFF Basel CH/AFS Amsterdam NL

Mike Pringle, promoting positive thoughts about Swindon

ferent bodies and individuals, local artists, photographers, galleries, dancers, offices, organisations and shops are involved.

You can be part of Think:Swindon.

We are still open to ideas and suggestions – if you have something going on in April that you think would fit the season, or you would like to do something, let us know.

We want to involve as many people as possible, and all ideas are valid no matter how small, or how big. So get in touch with me at the Swindon Cultural Partnership on: 07780 618 507 or mail at: info@ swindonculture.org www.thinkswindon.org

Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane.

Tel: 01793 771615 Trains: 11am-4pm Cafe, shop and free parking

www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org Licenced to carry out wedding and naming ceremonies

Are you looking for a new partner?

• Would you like to meet someone locally?

• Would you like a choice of how you meet - on-line or at a dinner in a local restaurant?

See the new website which covers the Wilts SN postcode area and counties of Berks/Hampshire/Dorset/Somerset/Glos/Oxon

Free registration until April 2009 what have you got to lose?

www.snandsingle.co.uk

people, with a state-of-the-art hospital and Swindon was recently ranked second lowest for burglary rates and has the lowest car crime figures in the whole UK. So, next April, Think:Swindon will be born, with the simple aim of celebrating the big-hearted people of the town.

Throughout the month, Think: Swindon will be promoting exhibitions, shows, events, words, pictures and gatherings, all on the broad themes of diversity, inclusion and tolerance. It won’t be about political correctness or ticking boxes – the season will be brimming with interest, art, music, drama, and fun!

A highlight will be the incredibly powerful Anne Frank and You exhibition which will visit Swindon for the whole month.

Although Think:Swindon is being co-ordinated by Swindon Cultural Partnership, it involves a host of dif-

Two festivals back to back

Thinking is a great thing to do, one of my favourite activities, and to do it about Swindon makes it even better, writes Matt Holland, director of the Swindon Festival of Literature which starts on 4 May 2009.

Think:Swindon complements the plans for regenerating the town and has connections with people engaged in arts activity across the town, whilst the Anne Frank exhibition is directly linked to literature, making past stories relevant today.

Last year I felt the Swindon Festival of Literature had become a festival of ideas. Think:Swindon fits with this entirely.

• Festival of Literature - page 27

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• Experience Swindon - page 22

21/11/08 11:13:23

Swindon Wide

22

Christmas treats in store at STEAM

Brass bands, bell ringers and barrel organs will help set the festive scene on 6 and 7 December, 10am to 5pm, when STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway opens its doors for just £1 per person.

Visitors to Christmas at STEAM will have an array of market stalls to browse through. Traders from across the region will be selling seasonal luxury items and hand-made crafts - including jewellery, ceramics, paintings, confectionery and fayre.

Alongside the market hall, Pegasus Brass Band and the Merrybells will be providing musical accompaniment, and there’s a chance to win prizes in a luxury tombola. Santa will be in his grotto and themed refreshments will be on offer. For details call Staff at STEAM, ready to welcome you to 466646. the Christmas market

Lift the lid on what your town offers

Swindon is like Pandora’s box, writes Steve Causer of Frequency.

Once opened a whole raft of amazPulling together is what Freing, stunning, startling, bizarre quency is about. We work with a and sometimes awkward things whole load of organisations, busican come out, but the fun is dis- nesses and individuals, too many to covering. mention here, and the main reason It has a vibrant arts scene that is to try and ensure some synergy, over the past 3 years Frequency has cooperation and coordination in been shouting about - in print, on what goes on so that as wide an the radio, at events, online, in video. audience says, ‘HEY...Experience You name it we have been promoting Swindon’ as there is a lot that goes Swindon ...and so should you. on...don’t miss out.

www.swindonrendezvous.co.uk

www.lerendezvous.co.uk

BOOK NOW

to avoid disappointment.

See menu on websites

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 22

MusicLink every month in this very magazine is a great example.

This gig guide provides another informative aspect to The Link so that readers can see the names of the artists playing in the town. It really helps the local music scene, We been receiving positive reactions since we linked up, from ‘great work’ to ‘wow, I did not know there was that much music going on in Swindon.’

Paul Jellings, a local promoter of Playdead Events Management, passed us his comments: ‘What is nice is that something like Music Link helps to break down barriers between those providing information to potential audiences in Swindon. It gets the dates of gigs to people that may not normally have access to it, and presenting it in such a way means it jumps out to readers - good on The Link.’

If you have yet to get involved with what Frequency does, well: • see the gig guide on page 24; • come to our town centre music showcases, Frequently inSwindon, every last Saturday of the month - there’s a seasonal special on Saturday 27 December; • pop up to the new club night, FREEK, at Rehab in Old Town, every Thursday; • visit our websites; • sign up for our newsletter, enter our mega ticket giveaways and check out all the other events and things we get up to.

• Oh...and mail me: steve@frequencyalive.co.uk if you are up to something or just want to shout about Swindon www.frequencyalive.co.uk www.myspace.com/frequencyswindon

Challenging Christmas

Struggling for gift ideas? Marie Curie Cancer Care suggests you give a 12,000 foot skydive. Call Clair Cusack for details on 0117 924 7275 or mail clair.cusack@mariecurie.org.uk

20/11/08 15:39:45

Swindon Wide

Christmas in traditional fashion

The magic of Christmas past will be found at Lydiard House until 23 December, 11am to 4pm, when the elegant State Rooms will be decked in traditional festive greenery and decorations to create the intimate atmosphere of a Victorian family Christmas.

Central to most people’s celebrations is the Christmas dinner and at Lydiard for the first time this year the dining room table will be set with a lavish dinner featuring a double rib of roast beef and vegetables – typical of a late Victorian Christmas dinner and based on old menus belonging to the Bolingbroke family. At the centre of the table will be another tradition passed down the century – the plum pudding.

Apart from the decorations, music and practical activities form part of this year’s attractions.

On Sundays, there will be live music in the main hall: 7th, 2.30pm - Swindon Choral Society 14th, 2.30pm - Purton Pealers Handbell Ringers Children have the chance to create decorations to take home: 7th, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Traditional Christmas tree decorations. Cost: £2 per child.

Swindon’s widest choice of discounted 20ivterhsary ann

Art, Craft and Framing products

Lots of extra bargains

Any gold items bought for cash!

Ample free parking Well worth a visit!

Broken or un-wanted jewellery 9 – 14 – 18 or 22 carat Best Prices Paid We buy scrap Gold; any amount any condition

Tel/Fax 01793 513069

Email: mail@facswindon.co.uk www.facswindon.co.uk

14th, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Make a traditional wreath for your front door or a table decoration using natural materials from the park. The cost is £3 per adult or child.

Both activities take place in the Stable Building at Lydiard Park.

For details call 770401.

Gold Wanted

Framework Art & Craft Unit 35 BSS House Cheney Manor, Swindon

Getting festive. Lord Bolingbroke in his library at Lydiard Park

23

Call Barry on 07798 - 682198 Turn that unwanted Gold into Cash

13 Rodbourne Rd, Swindon Tel: 01793 490947 Book now to look good for Christmas Trina, Haley & Jenna would like to wish all their customers a very Happy Christmas Late night opening on Thursdays

www.lydiardpark.org.uk

solid oak furniture 10% OFF

with this advert

£515 LSA glass, lamps, mirrors and much more

as seen on DRAGON’S DEN Visit us at Westbrook Farm, just off junction 17 M4 motorway, down the B4122.

We are just past the recycling centre on the right.

WE ARE OPEN WED - SAT 10 - 4

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 23

20/11/08 15:40:01

24

Music

Swindon Wide What’s

Thursday 4th, 8pm The Hamsters Electric and Acoustic. Guitar, bass and drums trio The Hamsters have long been established as a premier blues-rock touring band.

Hot strings lubricated with WD40. £13.

Arts Centre Saturday 6th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series. Paul Turner, piano. Paul Turner returns with an inspiring and impressionistic solo programme based on the compositions of Claude Debussy. £12, students £2.50. Arts Centre Monday 8th, 3.30pm Graham Kendrick Dreaming of a Holy Night. Christian composer of contemporary hymns and Christmas songs performs material from his new album. £10. Wyvern. See page 46 Saturday 13th, 7.30pm Christmas Concert by Swindon Choral Society. Nicholas Riddle, conductor with former organ scholar at Worcester College, Oxford Dan Chambers. Tickets incl free mince pies and fine wine, £8, under 18s free, from Swindon Information Centre. St Mark’s Church, Church Place

Film

Wednesday 3rd, 7.45pm Persepolis (12A). Engaging adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s celebrated graphic novels about her eventful life growing up in the political turbulence of Iran. SFS. Arts Centre Wednesday 17th, 7.45pm Happy-Go-Lucky (15). An infectiously optimistic comedy from director Mike Leigh. Has the eponymous Polly met her match with dour driving instructor Scott? SFS. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film showing Maloney School of Irish Dancing Christmas Dance Saturday 27 December, 8pm £10 on the door or call 642368 Polish Club, Whitbourne Avenue, Park South

Theatre

Tuesday 2nd, 7.30pm Forgotten Things presented by Red Ladder Theatre. A dark comic play about finding hope - and what happens when it is taken away. £10.

Arts Centre Thursday 11th to Sunday 13th, 7.30pm One for the Road by Willy Russell presented by Old Town Theatre Company. This superb adult comedy explodes into farce as Dennis, shuddering the brink of his 35th birthday, unleashes his roaming rebel spirit against wife Pauline’s comfortable bungalow housing estate life-style. £7.50. Arts Centre Saturday 6th & Friday 12th Murder Mystery Evenings. Enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal as you solve the mystery unfolding before you. Watch the scenes, interrogate suspects and search for the hidden clues. £34. Wyvern

Comedy

Friday 5th, 8pm Jeff Green - Lifeache. Jeff’s razorsharp observations combined with an abundant natural charm have marked him out as one of the brightest talents of the British comedy scene. £13.

Arts Centre

Talks & activities

Wednesday 3rd, 10am USAF Role at RAF Fairford. Col Dill speaks at a meeting of Thamesdown Probus Club. For more details call 765215. Blunsdon House Hotel Wednesday 17th, 10am The Glen Miller Story. Bill King speaks at a meeting of Thamesdown Probus Club. For more details call 765215.

Blunsdon House Hotel Thursday 18th, 7.30pm Christmas and its Customs. An illustrated look into the myths and magic of Christmas with Dr Patrick Harding. £7, includes seasonal nibbles and drinks. Arts Centre

Artists selling work at the Christmas art market in the new Post Modern Gallery, back from left, Andy Preston, Hillary Clash, Sally Taylor, Maria Holohan, Bill Cox and Lynette Thomas. Front, Vicki Silver and Emily Drake. See page 26 for dates

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 24

21/11/08 11:14:24

On in December Children & Family

Until Tuesday 23rd, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am - 4pm Victorian Christmas at Lydiard House. See page 23 Friday 5th December to Saturday 4 January, various times Aladdin. Shaun Williamson stars as the wonderfully wicked Abanazar, who plans to trick Aladdin into helping him find the treasure hidden deep in a magical underground cavern. £14 - £20. Wyvern Friday 5th, 7.30pm - 9pm; Saturday 6th, 10am - 4.30pm; Sunday 7th, 3pm - 5pm with carols at 4pm ChristmasTree Festival. Trees donated and decorated by schools, clubs and organisations in Cricklade. Entertainment by local groups and musicians. Children’s corner including storytelling. Refreshments. St Sampson’s Church, Cricklade. Details from Carolyn Russell on 750195 Saturday 6th, 11am - 3pm Shadow Puppet Workshop. Create a seasonal shadow play using silhouettes and cellophane to be performed at the ‘Carols by Candlelight’, see below. Bring a packed lunch. Adult £15, child £7.50, suitable for 6 years and over. Lower Shaw Farm Saturday 6th, 6pm - 7.30pm Carols by Candlelight. Join Swindon Scratch Choir singing carols around the fire. No need to book, suit all ages, wear warm clothes, bring a torch. Adult £3, child £1.50, incl mulled wine/juice and mince pies. Lower Shaw Farm Saturdays 6th & 20th Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railworkers bring the days of steam to life.

Normal admission charges. STEAM Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th Christmas at STEAM. Stalls selling luxury gifts and hand-made crafts, also festive entertainment and fayre.

STEAM

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road.

Tel: 614837 Link Centre Westlea. Tel: 445566 Lower Shaw Farm Old Shaw Lane.

Tel: 771080 Lydiard House Lydiard Tregoze.

Tel: 770401 STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Kemble Drive.

Tel: 466646 Swindon & Cricklade Railway Tadpole Lane. Tel: 771615 Swindon Information Centre Regent Street. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road. Tel: 466556 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time and price with the venue

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 25

25 Saturdays & Sundays 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st, 11am - 4pm; also 6pm - 8pm on Sat 13th Santa Specials. Swindon & Cricklade Railway. See the advert page 21 Sunday 7th, 2.30pm Swindon Choral Society. Lydiard House. See page 23 Sundays 7th & 14th, 12.30 to 3.30pm Crafty Christmas. Lydiard Park. See page 23 Friday 12th & Saturday 13th, 7.30pm; Saturday 13th, 2.30pm Bah Humbug produced by Wadams.

Written by Tina and Rob Burbidge, the panto is a variation on A Christmas Carol with apologies to Charles Dickens.Tickets £8/£6 available from 813307 and 702476. Groups of 10 receive a free ticket. Ellendune Hall,Wroughton Sunday 14th, 2.30pm Purton Pealers Handbell Ringers Lydiard House. See page 23 Tuesday 16th, 7pm - 9pm The Toybox Christmas Show organised by Remix Youth Club. Programme includes: dance, drama, singing, live music, Christmas quiz, craft stalls and presentation about the work of Toybox, working in Latin America with street children. £2; family £5. Shaw Church, Ramleaze Drive Wednesday 24th December to Saturday 3rd January, excl 25th Dec & 1st Jan, various times Scrooge. Empire Theatre Company presents the magical seasonal musical based on the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Director/ choreographer Pollyann Tanner, musical director Sheila Harrod with a large talented cast and professional musicians. £10; family (selected performances) £30. Arts Centre

Primrose

Flower Design www.candle-time.co.uk Louise Duffield Flowers for all occasions

www.primroseflowerdesign.co.uk Specialist in Weddings, Funerals, Corporate Work, Special Events

Tel: 07813 287515 louise@primroseflowerdesign.co.uk

New Christmas candles now in stock and gift ideas Authorised Yankee Candle and Faerie Flames retailer Large selection of candles, Incense and scented oils Zippo multi-purpose lighters Low delivery costs

Tel: 0870 803 2961

Exhibitions

Throughout December, 10am – 5pm The Journey from Steam to Diesel.

Follow the story of four characters whose lives were affected as steam locomotives were replaced by diesel on Britain’s railways. Normal admission prices. STEAM From Wednesday 3rd Aladdin - It’s Magic! Celebrating genies, witches and magical materials through an exhibition linked to the pantomime. Wyvern To February Echoes. James Castle explores connections between painting and sculpture, through his own works and a selection from the Swindon Collection of Modern British Art. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Until 6 January Frank Quinton Retrospective.

Frank’s recent paintings make a return to a freer, looser dramatic line reflecting a style used in early works.

Free. Arts Centre

Take advantage of our customer loyalty discount at our larger shop with a unique range of hand made fruit & vegetables, and hand knitted clothing plus a fantastic choice of dolls houses, furniture, carpets, lighting and wallpapers

20/11/08 15:40:34

Swindon Wide

26

Line Dance

Tired of juggling family and work commitments?

with

Are you feeling the pressure?

Do you need balance and a flexible lifestyle?

Would a regular part time income make a difference to your quality of life?

If you are honest, ethical and hardworking and have a Managerial, Teaching/Training, Sales/Marketing, HR, Recruitment or Selfemployed background ... Perhaps you have retired or taken a career break to raise a family, then we would like to hear from you.

Call PAUL on 01993 846372 or 07967 009561 Life is for living!

Are you living the life you want?

Midnight Cowboys Even Swindon Community Centre Jennings Street off Rodbourne Road

Tuesdays 7.30 to 10.00 Wednesday: Highworth Thursday: Coleview CC 7.00 to 10.00 Absolute beginners welcome

Please ring for more details Lewis on 764732

Christmas Fundraising Cards for Good Causes Until Monday 22 December Monday to Saturday, 9.15 to 5pm Multi-Charity Card Shop Tourist Information Centre Regents Street Christmas Fayre Friday 5 December, 5.30pm to 8pm Santa, games and stalls Brook Field School, Shaw Santa’s Grotto and German Christmas Market Friday 5 December, 2pm - 4pm

£3 per child to visit Santa Moredon Primary School

So Elegant CHRISTMAS GOWNS & NEW SEASON PROM GOWNS NOW AVAILABLE Perfect for special occasions including: Proms, Parties, Dinner Dance, Formal Cruise, Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride or Groom and more! Sizes 4 - 26 94 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon 01793 608822 www.so-elegant.co.uk Opening times: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm

Old Bell Pottery & Crafts High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608

Christmas Market Saturday 6 December, 11am Bottle & cake stalls, raffle, games Augustine’s Church Summers St, Rodbourne Christmas Art Market Saturdays 6, 13 & 20 December, 10.30am - 4.30pm & Weds, Thurs & Fri, 12 - 2pm & 5pm - 7pm, from Wed 10th Artwork under £100 & craft market Post Modern Gallery (Old Post Office, next to the Wyvern Theatre) Christmas Fair Saturday 6 December 11am to 2pm Children’s crafts, cakes, festive foods, face painting, books, Santa St Andrew’s School, Blunsdon Organised by Friends of the school Haydon Wick Bowls Club Christmas Concert with the Aldbourne Band Saturday 6 December, 7.30pm Tickets £7; conc £6 Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue

E-mail: enquiries@oldbellpottery.com www. oldbellpottery.com

SPECIALISTS IN DOLLS HOUSE MINIATURES Traditional games and toys.

Local craft items

FOR GREAT GIFT IDEAS Knitting & Haberdashery

Sewing needs: X-stitch ~ Tapestry ~ Rowan ~ Jaeger ~ Patons ~ Yarns and Patterns Mail order service available.

In the stable and garden

A great selection of local pottery. China seconds from Stoke-on-Trent. Pots, planters & ornaments from around the world Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm • Sun 11am to 5pm

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Oliver Tomkins Schools, Toothill Christmas Bazaar Friday 12 December 3.05pm - 4.30pm Infant School Hall Health, Beauty & Well-being Day Saturday 13 December 10.30am - 3.30pm Taster sessions and advice Reiki, Thai massage, reflexology, facial massage, make-overs, manicures & pedicures, aromatherapy. Hand-made cards, crystals and jewellery Winners Lounge, Swindon Town Football Club, County Rd. Entry £2.

Raffle and refreshments in aid of The Well Woman Centre and Man@WWC Wessex Male Voice Choir Christmas Concert Tuesday 16 December, 8pm Collection for CALM Abbey Meads Pub Toybox Christmas Show Tuesday 16 December 7pm - 9pm In aid of street children projects in Latin America. See page 25 Shaw Church, Ramleaze Drive Carol Concert and Craft Fair Wednesday 17 December 6.30pm - 10pm Refreshments including mulled wine in aid of Friends of Isambard School Isambard Community School Carol Concert with Kentwood Choir Wednesday 17 December, 6pm in aid of Prospect Hospice £5/adult; £3/child over 5 yrs, includes a drink and a mince pie Roves Farm, Sevenhampton Booking is essential. Call 763939

SWINDON CYCLES

Superstore

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

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

Tel: (01793) 700105

60a Beechcroft Road Between Stratton Crossroads & Kingsdown

20/11/08 15:40:51

Swindon Wide the bigger picture If you haven’t been to the new central library, do go soon for the content and the excellent ambiance.

Thousands have already. In the first three weeks after opening on 20 October there was an 85 per cent year on year increase in visitors, and over 1,200 people joined in the first week.

D e s i g n e d by Swindon Council architects Nic Newland and Tony Currivan, the design and quality of finish sets the tone for the regeneration of the town centre.

See more pictures at www.swindonlink.com

27

Literature festival line-up becomes clearer

Plans for the sixteenth Swindon Festival of Literature from 4 to 17 May are coming together to bring established names from the world of literature as well as from politics, science, sport, entertainment and television.

PM point-man Alastair To p c h a r a c t e r s Campbell, delightful booked to appear inchildren’s author Shirley clude Swindon-boy Hughes, comedienne Jo m a d e g o o d Ju l i a n Brand, chat show host Clary, sometime ArseMichael Parkinson, Ranal goalkeeper turned dio 4 presenter James television football comNaughtie, London Olymmentator Bob Wilson, pics guru and gold medmulti-talented actress alist Lord Seb Coe, BBC and author Maureen security correspondent Lipman, right, former Frank Gardner, actress Children’s Laureate and turned author Sheila author of Warhorse, Michael Morpurgo, all-rounder Rory Hancock, popular poet Simon ArMcGrath, and Judy Taylor with a mitage and Booker Prize winning fascinating talk on the life and work novelist Graham Swift.

It will be a cracking event if fesof Beatrix Potter.

Negotiations are also in progress tival director Matt Holland secures with other established authors, just a few of these outstanding performers, and celebrity writers. names. Festival followers can Still to be confirmed are people suggest authors and performers like chef Gary Rhodes, politician they would like to see next May Gary Patten, former No 10 Downing by mailing: swindonlitfest@lowerStreet resident Cherie Blair, former shawfarm.co.uk

Moving into a model house could be a good investment for Christmas

Everything an interior designer needs to create a beautiful home can be found at Studley Grange Craft Village, scaled down to one twelfth the usual size. The Dolls House Workshop stocks wallpaper, carpets, miniature lights and even Christmas trees to furnish a dream home. It is the sole outlet in Swindon for Dolls House Emporium products and offers the same discounted prices found on their website, without the delivery charge.

Moving house is difficult for many right now, but investing in a home at Studley Grange could be the next best thing. www.studleygrange.co.uk

Blunsdon’s Masquerade Ball Saturday 14th February 2009

An evening of opulence and elegance Not to be missed - dress to impress Enjoy the evening with friends and family (not suitable for children)

Spectacular 5 course candlelit dinner and a complimentary glass of pink bubbly Dance the night away to Locomotion band followed by Skywalkers Disco A mask will be provided but bring your own to win the prize for the best one!

£45 per person

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 27

A place of tranquillity for body and mind situated in the Pavilion - at Blunsdon House Hotel

Christmas Vouchers available now

21/11/08 11:16:29

Swindon Wide

28

Free game on offer to readers at new Laserquest in the West

Family entertainment centre Laserquest moved to Shaw Ridge Leisure Park in late October and is making a special offer to Link readers. way to bond with your team to score This is a great opportunity to people is suitable for 6 years and restaurants closeby.

Laserquest in the West is ideal points over colleagues. do something together between upwards.

For booking details call 758758.

For younger children there is for children’s birthday parties and Christmas and New Year; present

www.lqswindon.co.uk the voucher below to qualify for a 1,500 square foot soft-games area also corporate days out.What better called Spaceplay. free game worth £4.95.

Also at Laserquest is ‘Wired Inn,’ Working in a team or individually against everyone else to pick up an online gaming area with 36 PCs points, battle through mazes and connected to online games. Wired around obstacles, complete with Inn has hosted large PC gaming swirling fog, flashing lights and tournaments, mostly Counter Strike It’s Invasion Season at the NSC in Leicester until 11 January and we pumping music, in a 3,000 square 1.6. A programme of tournaments have an exciting prize for two adults and two children to enjoy, especially foot area decorated and loosely is being worked on for 2009. in that quiet time between Christmas and New Year.

The Shaw Ridge location offers themed on the film Aliens (without The award winning facility free parking and easy access to the scary aliens joining in). is the UK’s largest attraction The games area for up to 34 other entertainment facilities and dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre’s futuristic Rocket Tower, you’ll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun.

Invasion: The Fact of FicTry our totally new Arena any tion is the new exhibition at the National Space Centre time Monday to Friday that shows how much techNEW at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park! nology that surrounds us or We want you and a friend to visit us and experience the is currently being developed ultimate excitement of a can be traced back to the great worn by the visiting aliens in Close science fiction movies from the last Encounters of a Third Kind, to the FREE GAME OF LASERQUEST 100 years. iconic Joker costume worn by Jack Hurry - Offer ends 31/12/08.

It’s presented with millions of Nicholson, as well as prototype pounds worth of original props pieces made for Aliens.

01793 758 758 and costumes from Hollywood Entry details can be found at: blockbusters that have become wwww.swindonlink.com Terms & Conditions apply. See www.lqswindon.co.uk/link/ for full details. cult movies - from the tiny costume www.spacecentre.co.uk

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R. J. HOLMES - Opticians JOHNSONS - Dry Cleaners LADBROKES - Turf Accountants McGANITY’S CAFÉ TIMPSON - Shoe Repairs/Key Cutting MARTINS - Newsagents MOTORSAVE - Motor Accessories SPS - Stationery and Toys TAYLORS - Estate Agents PARTNERS - Hairdressing Salon TRAWLERMANS - Fish & Chips POST OFFICE PRICELESS - Shoes

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Find us by Sat Nav - Tewkesbury Way, Swindon SN5 7DL

20/11/08 15:41:35

Swindon Wide

29

Extra talented star prepares for magical panto

With singing, acting and stand-up comedy among his talents, Shaun Williamson, seems born to star in pantomime.

Come to night Li The nk’s first mber. ce De show on 5 See page 2 for details

Shaun, who played Barry in East Enders, will be Abanazar in the Wyvern's production of Aladdin, thirteen years after his first panto appearance in 1995. He has been a series of comedy characters like Silly Billy and Buttons, but he relishes being evil and scheming in Swindon.

"Barry was quite a gentle sort of character; I used to play cuddly buffoon types,” said Shaun. “But after Ricky Gervais' Extras, which was a bit darker, I started being offered more parts for bad guys."

This will be the second year that Shaun has played in Aladdin, one of his favourite pantomimes. "It's got a great love story and a terrific villain and the genie can get you out of any trouble, so it’s good to have him on your side - even if you’re bad."

The magical genie will be brought to life using spectacular 3D wizardry. Shaun was amazed when he first saw the special effects at the launch of Aladdin. He will have the challenge of playing to an invisible co-star while the genie thrills the audience.

Audiences can also look forward to Shaun showcasing his singing talents. He won Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes as Meatloaf and will perform his show-stopping rendition of Bat out of Hell.

Although he has only made a flying visit so far, Shaun was delighted to be coming to Swindon. "On the launch, I walked into the Wyvern and people were lovely. It's a very warm space and I know I’ve made the right decision."

Swindon audiences will agree: Oh yes he has!

BLAYLOCKS Put Old Town on your

Christmas shopping list

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The ideal gift Also a large selection of mens, ladies and childrens shoes

Bath Road Corner Old Town. Tel: 534271

The Christmas season comes to Swindon Old Town on Thursday 27 November, from 6pm, with street entertainment before Shaun Williamson, above, flicks the switch to brighten up Wood Street, with help from Swindon Town’s Simon Cox and Billy Paynter, and Miss Swindon.

Traders are looking forward to Link readers visiting them for gifts and homeware. Gilberts Carpets and Upholstery is offering 10 per cent off carpets on orders before Christmas. Total Flooring has great deals on all kinds of floor covering and they offer a home selection service.

Blaylocks provide idea gifts in footware and Deacons in Wood Street has beautiful jewellery and high quality watches, clocks and ceramics which will thrill any recipient.

And looking forward to the New Year, Old Town Hardware will help you bring it in with a bang with a great selection of fireworks.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE HOME the whole year round

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26 - 31 December only

14 Wood Street, Old Town

Tel: (01793) 433331

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21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 29

ESTABLISHED 1848

Also: 44/45 High St, Marlborough. Tel: 01672 519955 42 High Street, Wootton Bassett. Tel: 01793 852945 www.deacons-jewellers.com December opening times: Monday - Saturday 9am–5.15pm Sunday 14th & 21st 11am–4pm (Swindon & Marlborough only)

20/11/08 15:41:50

30

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Dodging lessons at Bridlewood

Uniforms were swapped for sports kit at Bridlewood Primary School during a sports and fitness week in late October.

“It was a week when every child could have a go and find their talent in some sport or recreational activity,” said head teacher, Jo Garton.

T h e re w a s a selection of sports activities from fencing and Tae-Kwon Kazia Wojewódka puts the ball into play at Bridlewood Do to synchro“It can involve any child of any nised swimming. For those who preferred to work out to music, fitness, shape or size and they all there were taster sessions in salsa have a great time,” said Ms Wojewdancing and street dance. Through- ódka. She would like to develop an out the week, youngsters were after-school club and to see other schools start to play so that competiencouraged to walk to school.

Polish dodgeball caught the tions could be organised.

Emily Presdee wants to continue imagination of pupils who would now like to find other schools to playing. “It was a new game but I play against. Acting deputy head understood the instructions very Kazia Wojewódka introduced the quickly. It was really good and I game which she learned as a child enjoyed it.”

James Winfield agreed that it and is played widely by Polish was easy to pick up the rules. “I scout groups.

On a pitch around the same size loved playing and got very hot as a badminton court, two teams try and sweaty. You do need a referee to remove players from the game by to keep control of things because it gets quite exciting.” hitting them with the ball.

Open: Mon/Tues 10-7, Wed 10-6, Thurs/Fri 10-7, Sat 9-6 Unit 108 Basepoint Business Centre Rivermead Drive Swindon SN5 7EX

Group offers North Swindon youngsters high energy fun activities

Busy Fingers, which runs several pre-school groups at the Haydon Centre, has expanded again to launch an after-school Kids’ Club with special emphasis on giving 4 to 10 year olds the chance to exercise through active team activities.

“The aim is to improve fitness without children realising because they are having so much fun doing it,” said organiser Debbie MusaEiggie.

Debbie and fellow volunteer Lisa Archer have completed a certificate in teaching physical activity to children and with parent helpers provide a fast moving one hour

programme of games designed to develop endurance, hand and eye coordination, teamwork and social skills.

If your child returns from school full of beans and you’re keen to give them positive activity which does not involve television or computer games, call Debbie on 496900.

Win a way to get kids fit with fun

Fitness expert Ian Baker from Haydon Wick is offering a great way for youngsters and parents to get active whilst enjoying themselves.

www.thebigadventurestore.com

The winners for triathlon, running & adventure racing!

• Mizuno, Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, asics • Isaac, Cube • Video gait analysis • Free parking

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Through his keep fit company bpm active, Ian launches four DVDs on 7 December which will retail at £23, plus post and packing. But go to www.bpmactive.co.uk for a prelaunch £5 discount.

The routines are taught with current safe and effective training principles and provide fun and challenging workouts for all abilities. They include:

SoccerJam - a soccer based workout using the ball to develop fitness techniques through drills and funky dance;

Strike: Martial Arts Fitness - incorporating exciting martial arts skills and techniques from a variety of different styles using kicks, strikes and punches;

Fitness Cheerleading - a great, high energy cardio workout; put on the music and away we go!

Ian said, “these exercise DVDs make a fantastic present for kids from about 8 years as well as the whole family as a way to exercise and get fit together in the comfort of their own home, especially during the winter months.”

Ian has made a set of DVDs available to Link readers. Win this fantastic and practical Christmas present which could also be a great New Year’s resolution gift.

Body Active - a time saving workout which helps to develop muscular strength and endurance, aerobic fitness and flexibility as well as motor fitness such as balance, co-ordination and agility; See details at www.swindonlink.com

21/11/08 11:17:08

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Tanwood offers free dance chance

Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome to sample free classes on Saturday 3 January at Tanwood School for Performing Arts.

The open day will provide an opportunity for the school to show off spacious new premises at the Isis Industrial Estate.

Swindon’s oldest school of dance shares the space with the Theatre of Motion which runs a foundation level dance course during the day.

There are two huge stu- Dancers preparing forNovember’s show at the dios, each as big as the Wyvern, Where Dreams Come True.

Wyvern Theatre’s stage plus wings.

Tanwood teaches ballet, tap, The additional legroom means that modern, jazz, singing and drama. the school can take more students Saturday afternoons are dedicated in each class and two new members to performing arts training, coverof staff have been recruited to teach ing dance, singing and acting. ballet and drama.

Prospective pupils of all ages Head of teaching, Pollyann can try a variety of dance styles on Tanner said, “instead of having 20 3 January. dancers in a number, we have 60 or A schedule and details of how 100. The large space is great to put to book a place, will be posted at the show together.” www.tanwood.co.uk

Olympic champ celebrates Swindon’s sports standard

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes visited Greendown Community School on 19 November to celebrate Swindon schools reaching the Government target of 85 per cent of children participating in two hours of PE and school sport each week.

Some 300 children from over 40 secondary, primary and special schools spent a day being active at Greendown. Dame K e l l y t o u re d activities taking place in the school’s sports halls.

Andy Steckbeck of the Swindon School Sport was just 65 per cent. All the schools Partnership said the Olympian’s have done a great job to raise this to visit would be a wonderful inspira- 86 per cent; it’s a massive achievetion to youngsters across the town. ment.”

“Two years ago sports participation More photos: www.swindonlink.com

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Above, Kelly with pupils from Uplands Special School.

Below, with pupils from Swindon secondary schools

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21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 31

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St Tropez Spray Tan £20 (normally £25) Also 10% off any treatment over £20 with this advert Valid to 31/12/08

21/11/08 11:19:09

32

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Walk and run to involve everybody in breast cancer campaign

By Sue ◆ Your local family hairdresser ◆ 25% discount for Seniors

Happy Christmas & a Peaceful New Year

Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

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Call Denise on 07970 589261

The 2nd Swindon Mad March Hare event in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer takes place on 15 March 2009 and applications are now being taken.

But exercise can be a The event is entirely wonderful way to burn organised by Swindon away that anger and frusBreakthrough voluntration and taking part teers and gives local with others who feel the people the chance to same as you is an upliftrun or power walk 5 or ing experience.”

10 kilometres around Having been treated Lydiard Park, starting for breast cancer twice, at Greendown School Shirley was given days to in Grange Park. live when she was diagShirley Garman, who nosed with a tumour on has stepped down as her brain in September.

Wiltshire Breast Cancer Coordina- An operation to remove it was suctor whilst she undergoes major cessful and she now makes weekchemo and radio therapy treatment, day trips to Oxford for radiotherapy, LBSH MARH said Mad March Hare was started whilst taking oral chemotherapy to give people unable to do the Walk until Christmas.

HOMOEOPATHY, REIKI, She will then have a further six the Walk half and full marathons in ALLERGY TESTING, different parts of the country the weeks of chemotherapy. “The love NUTRITION, that has been poured upon me over chance to take part.

BIO RESONANCE FEEDBACK “I was delighted when some of the last few weeks has been amazDon’t let fatigue, ill health or our regular walkers said it was time ing,” said Shirley. “The well wishes stress ruin your life. to organise a Swindon event. There have been wonderful and I’ve had is huge support for Breakthrough so many laughs with people who If you suffer with depression, and offering shorter distances lo- have been visiting.

ME, IBS, migraine, respiratory, “If my body can take the treatcally was ideal to get everybody hormonal or other problems, ment and I’m fit, I’ll definitely be involved. ring to see if I can help you.

“Despite the fact that the weather coming to the Mad March Hare.”

01793 739199 See pictures from last year’s forced our first attempt to be postwww.PamHowells.co.uk poned, the event at the end of March event at www.swindonlink.com BROAD TOWN, WOOTTON BASSETT, SWINDON last year was a huge success. The where you can also download an application form. volunteers worked so hard.

For more information about the “It can be so frustrating when you’ve lost someone to cancer or event, please see www.madmarcha loved one is receiving treatment. hare.org or contact Helen George Many on the start line last year on 723540 or helen200@btinternet. were taking part for someone else. com

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Monday 6.30pm & 8.15pm St John Church, Haydon Wick Sharon 527332 Tuesday 10am Toothill Community Centre Sharon 527332 Tuesday 6.30pm Abbey Meads School Paula 701442 Wednesday 6.30pm St Francis Primary School, Taw Hill Julie 875903 Wednesday 7pm Brook Field Primary School Sharon 527332 Wednesday 9.30am Gorse Hill Community Centre Sam 723416

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 32

New to Swindon - massage training by local therapist

When local massage and bodywork therapist Raziya Sacranie was made redundant after a 17 year career in education as a lecturer and full time manager of adult education, she decided that this was a great opportunity to finally follow her passion.

Over the years she had developed a great interest in complementary medicine generally, and massage and bodywork specifically. She had been practising massage part time for many years and Raziya, right realised her dream and set up her own company - Aloha Therapies last year offering a range of massage and bodywork therapies.

She has now extended her business to offer massage and bodywork training courses. Coming up in the Spring are introductory and certificated courses lasting one to three days in: Ayurvedic face massage Indian head massage to acquire new skills or develop Therapeutic massage for relaxa- existing ones, and could help you tion towards a career change.

Relaxation massage for couples Call Raziya on 637500, or mail: Therapeutic yoga raziyasacranie@gmail.com or see Hawaiian Lomilomi massage details at: www.alohatherapies.

The courses offer the chance com

20/11/08 15:43:44

swindonlink.com • December 2008

AROMABEAUTY Aromatherapy Facials Body Massage Anti-cellulite Treatments Eye Treatments Manicures Pedicures Waxing Gift Vouchers available

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34

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Schools get taste for healthy lifestyle

Not content to be one of the first eco-schools in Swindon, youngsters at Peatmoor Primary learned about the importance of choosing the right foods and taking enough exercise during a week of Healthy School activities in November There were visits from Swindon make choices for themselves and Owner of Bombay Lounge, Hanif Group worked with small groups to Robani spoke at an assembly about prepare simple meals. Greendown Council Walk to School officer Jane explain that if they want to have a the best foods to eat and members pupils also taught PE exercises to Deeley and Pat McDonald from happy, healthy life they need to eat Sainsbury’s who spoke to the whole well,” said event coordinator, Paul of the Greendown Nutrition Action raise the heart rate. school about the variety of food Watermeyer. “I was impressed by available. A Ready Steady Cook ses- the Greendown pupils confidence.

Lunch box inspiration for Millbrook Parents and pupils were inspired to be more creative with packed sion organised by Swindon College “There’s nothing better than chillunches at a workshop run by Pat McDonald from Sainsbury’s in late was well attended by parents and dren teaching children. They had pupils and provided ideas on how the full attention of the Peatmoor October. pupils and the Greendown students She presented alternatives to sandwiches which the youngsters to prepare quick meals.

“We try to educate children to were learning as well.” sampled, and suggested that older children should get involved with preparing their lunch boxes.

Greendown mentors Carly Bonner and Jake Savin with Peatmoor young cooks Pin wheels made from pitta bread, hummous and grated carrot were a favourite said healthy schools coordinator Eileen Pringle. “The large prunes were a surprise hit too, though the children were a bit apprehensive at the look of them at first. The fact that the children got to help prepare the food themselves made it all much more appealing.”

Pat McDonald and Eileen Pringle with parents and pupils at Millbrook

Lottery helps cafe bring in lone parents

Lucy Pet Carer Dog creche & puppy nursery Free range dog care 7 days a week Offering doggie day creche, cat feeding, rabbit and small animal hotel, puppy Playskool & socialisation classes Dog bathing, home visits, holiday cover New Doggy Hotel - now taking Christmas bookings

For more information contact Lucy on 01793 330067 or 07977 099058 www.lucypetcarer.co.uk

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 34

Single parents have the chance to develop catering, hygiene and customer care skills, thanks to an Awards for All lottery grant to West Swindon community cafes at Toothill and Freshbrook community centres.

The 12 month pilot funding will the lottery liked our application; cover childcare costs so that lone it shows that small groups can be parents can volunteer their time successful.”

Organisers Carol Gibbons and Tina for a few hours a week.

The cafes are entirely volunteer Mackie with single mum volunteer Indea run and have become a popular Woolhouse destination for parents, older people and workers in the area because of the keen prices and sociable atmosphere. “Mums on their own looking after young children can quickly become isolated and helping on a project like this can give them a lot confidence,” said joint volunteer coordinator Carol Gibbons. “We’re really pleased

Christmas lunch for only £5 on Monday 22 December Fruit punch, turkey dinner, Xmas pudding and coffee Limited places. Call Tina Mackie on 617871 to book.

21/11/08 11:20:02

swindonlink.com • December 2008

35

Doggy day care is a playground for home alone pets Janet’s

Instead of your dog being left by itself for long periods whilst you’re out at work all day, Hair of the Dog salon owner Denise Jones has decided to branch out with a dog crèche. mally operate from 8am to 6pm on The idea is already very popular four days a week and initial costs are in the USA and Australia but her £20 for a full day, (£25 on Sunday), Doggy Daycare will be one of the £10 per half day. first of its kind in Swindon.

There are discounts for dogs Dogs will learn important socialibooked for two or more days. sation skills, make new friends in Denise plans to open every day in playtime and have a snooze after the New Year when she will hold two walks during the day. Denise, an open day for pet owners. right, said, “when you collect your Dogs will need to have all vacpet at the end of the day you will cination certificates and be assessed have a dog happy and content to for group care. Once registered, they relax with you in the evening.” can be booked into care anytime.

As well as being good for busy For details call Denise on working people, the crèche could 608747. provide a solution over the holiday period when people have extra Christmas shopping said Denise.

Initially the dog crèche will norhouseguests or need to do the

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

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk for January course details

Janet Garrett

Dip.dog.psy MIACE MOC MSFTR

Tel: 01793 727158 Janet.garrett@virgin.net

Pets At Home

Treat puppies to a Raleigh good start

A well established dog training club is starting a new puppy training class in Freshbrook.

The Raleigh Dog Training Club tance of starting training as early recently celebrated its 25th anni- as possible so that puppies are well versary and has been meeting at socialised and understand what is Freshbrook Community Centre for expected of them.

“Nice puppies make for nice dogs the last 16 years. The club already offers puppy training at Walcot that behave well around others and but co-founder, Mollie Edwards, humans,” she said. “People get the is launching two West Swindon wrong idea that they can take a classes in December for young puppy out in Lydiard Park and let it run free. If there are no behaviour puppies.

During a six week course, dogs boundaries, when you have to put learn the basics of good manners them on a lead they can become and obedience - walking on a lead uptight and a bit aggressive.”

The puppy class at Freshbrook without pulling, coming back when called and behaving well during vet will be on Saturdays from 10am for puppies under 20 weeks. The secchecks and grooming.

The club uses food treats as ond class for dogs over 20 weeks old rewards and does not allow any is at 11am. The course costs £35.

To register, call Mollie on negative methods such as choke chains. Mollie stressed the impor- 820462.

Sheila Mitchell would like to wish all her customers a Happy Christmas & a successful New Year

Pets At Home cares for pets (except dogs and reindeer) in their own home - in West Swindon, whilst their owners are away

Collection & delivery service Appointments not always necessary

For details call 01793 873062 email: sm4hannahlightfoot@talktalk.net

Ring Denise on 01793 608747 or 07866 507633 www.hairofthedoggroomers.co.uk 74 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon

“Making life better for you and Care - always your pet”

Communication - we listen

Four legged pupils boost Climb funds

Compassion - for you and your pet

Carolyn Stone, the Swindon representative of Climb: Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Disease, was presented with a cheque for £375 raised at the September open day for the charity held by Janet Garrett who runs Janet’s Puppy Skool in Haydon Wick.

The day is organised in memory of Janet’s grandson Jamie who died from metabolic complications in June 2004.

Carolyn Stone receives a cheque from Janet and other Puppy Skool participants.

Jamie’s mum Lauren with three year old Lucy are pictured in the front

Professional friendly service in a large modern salon for every aspect of your dog’s grooming needs

Cost - good value, great offers Continuity - of care throughout your pet’s life Convenience - a clinic near you Car parking - plenty!

Thameswood Veterinary Clinic

62 - 64 Purton Rd Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780 Open: Mon to Fri, 9am - 6.30pm Sat 9am - 12noon

Christmas toys for your pet at great prices

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

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 35

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36

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Don’t let your Christmas be crunched

Rudolph is on diet rations this year and families are thinking hard about their spending, but the West Swindon Green Families Group which meets at Lower Shaw Farm have come up with ideas for a cracking environmentally friendly Christmas without credit.

Here are some lates, nicely presented in recycled light inside make effective lanof their suggesterns; packaging or on a pretty plate; tions: •A kilner jar or similar filled with • Knit something! (The knitting • Make some ingredients and a recipe to make circle at Lower Shaw Farm can help bath bombes and something yummy is always you learn how); fizzers (Google • Instead of sending cards to work welcome; for recipes); • Give a home-made recipe book mates, buy an Oxfam goat, flock of • Present a pot of with the family’s favourites and hens or a village toilet in a less well spring bulbs or a include a photograph to remind off part of the world for the office/ pack of seeds to the cook who introduced him/her factory/workshop. be planted next Check out The Link’s gift ideas to the dish; year; • Decorated jam jars with a night- on page 9.

• Bake biscuits, sweets or choco-

Violence could be the sad consequence of the festive season

A collection of white balloons were released at the Civic Offices on 25 November to mark a week highlighting domestic violence and raise awareness of where to turn to for help.

Almost 19 per cent of reported violent crime in Swindon can be attributed to domestic violence, but only 20 per cent of incidents are actually reported. And Christmas can trigger it.

Lin Williams, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator at the Swindon Community Safety Partnership, said, “Christmas is traditionally a time for families, but unfortunately, for some this is a time of dread.

“It can increase incidents of domestic violence because of the seasonal financial pressures - particularly in this difficult period - and the fact that families may be spending more time together than usual.”

People who need help and advice can contact the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 200 0247 or Victim Support Wiltshire on 01380 738888. In an emergency, always ring 999.

Winter singing for all ages Work out the lungs and sing together with Linda and Kate of the Swindon Scratch Choir All ages welcome; no experience or ability to read music required Tuesdays 2, 9, 16 December, 3pm to 4.30pm, including tea break Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane Just turn up on the day or call Linda Lee on 875284.

www.simply-websites.info

ZIGNIG Wholesale

Business Websites 01793 485355

PACKAGING & STATIONERY AT GREAT PRICES

A local family business selling everything you need @ www.zignig.co.uk Order and pay online and have your items delivered Or collect from our warehouse at rear of Unit 1, Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent Call first on: 01793 770778 Email: sales@zignig.co.uk

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 36

Fancy a Merc for Christmas?

On 19 December a lucky Prospect Hospice supporter will win a brand new Mercedes C-Class or SLK Class - for a £1 raffle ticket.

Mercedes-Benz of Swindon have a Prospect shop on Regent Street, teamed up with Prospect to offer Havelock Street, Gorse Hill, Victoria one of these two top-of-the-range Road, Old Town and Wroughton, or luxury cars in order to boost the go to Mercedes-Benz on Drakes Way work of this important charity pro- or Prospect Hospice, Wroughton.

Even if you don’t win, you’ll be viding specialist end of life care to supporting the patients and families people in the Swindon region.

For the prospect of a fantastic cared for at Prospect Hospice by Christmas present buy a ticket at taking part.

Charity curry for Prospect A curry night at the Bombay Lounge in Peatmoor earlier in the year raised £400 and community fundraiser Jane Kendall hopes to top that figure on Monday 8 December.

You can help Prospect by booking a table at the restaurant or ordering a takeaway. Call the Bombay Lounge on 887799.

Gouls gather pile of money for Breakthrough Mandy Martin and Val Phillips, members of Swindon Twin Peaks power walking group, were left speechless after the success of their Halloween party at the Hilton Hotel at the end of October.

The auction, raffle and lucky dip raised an astounding £3,034.50 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and they would like to thank the tremendous support of Swindon businesses and inviduals who contributed to the success of the evening.

Mandy and Val have started seri- end of May. To sponsor their efforts, mail: val. ous training to complete the Lake Myvatn Marathon in Iceland at the phillips4@btinternet.com

LYDIARD LANDSCAPES

LTD

25 Years Experience

Patios, Block Paving, Walling, Fencing, Close Board, Gates, Decking, Tree Work, Turfing, Building and Property Developing Portfolio and Client Testimonials Available

Swindon office: 01793 827117 Chippenham office: 01249 660182 Mobile: 07790 922081 wwww.lydiardlandscapes.com

Free estimates • Fully insured • Site surveyor: Nicholas Garner LANDSCAPE MASTER CRAFTSMEN

21/11/08 11:27:04

swindonlink.com • December 2008

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS LTD

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

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152

35 Spencer Close, W Swindon

Highworth Landscapes Electrical & Building Services Est. 1977

Patios • Paths Block paving • Drives All walling inc. natural stone Lighting • Decking Fencing • Pergolas All types of water features Tel/fax 01793 764362 Mobile: 07860 762339

David Hawkins Tree Surgeon

All types of tree services and landscaping Hedge cutting Turfing • Stump grinding Fruit tree pruning Fully insured Free estimates 14 years experience

01793 611861 07967 594707

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

Tel: 01793 486507 Mob: 077382 98004

willslatergardencare@hotmail.com

SKI’S TREES

TREE SURGEON NPTC QUALIFIED TREE FELLING / DISMANTLING HEDGE TRIMMING STUMP REMOVAL TREE THINNING AND PRUNING GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE LOGS FOR SALE

FOR FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK CALL NEIL ON:

01793 870441 OR 07828910093

GARDEN DOCTORS LANDSCAPES LTD LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Fencing: Close board Panels & Gates Block Paving • Patios Paths • Turfing • Trained team • Fully insured For free quotation

Tel: (01793) 526571 Mobile: 07760 127139

❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Chelworth Landscapes

Fencing & Garden Maintenance

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

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

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

For free quotation phone (01793) 702029

www.chelworthlandscapes.co.uk

37

lackwood Jill B Garden Magic Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPING SERVICE For a free consultation in the Swindon area call Jill Blackwood on:

Tel: 01793 322880 Mobile: 07951 014119

or email: gillian.blackwood@ntlworld.com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care for your garden Grass Cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Hedge Cutting & Pruning

No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort. for free quotation

on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

GAZEBO LANDSCAPING CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

Drives and patios - slabs, concrete, shingle, decking Grass cutting - regular maintenance, pruning, planting & patios cleaned Turfing and grass seeding Ponds & pergolas

Contact: 01793 692687 Mobile: 07711 253508

Free estimates Fully insured Est 1992 Quality products & workmanship www.acerpaving.co.uk

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 37

21/11/08 11:27:38

38

swindonlink.com • December 2008

Still smiling after biking around the world

An epic motorbike journey, which took Freshbrook dentist Brendan Ball and his wife Natasha from Canada to Europe, via Japan and Russia has proved that you can meet and make friends in the most unlikely of places.

The founder members of Smile when her husband worked at Hon- in the accident.

Menders, set out in June on the da, acted as interpreter. They made Drivers were reten week road trip to highlight the a poignant visit to Hiroshima, with luctant to help challenges faced by people affected obvious connections to Ukraine and Natasha had by radiation and poverty. Their where people are still living with to pretend to faint adventure started in Canada, with the after effects of the Chernobyl at the roadside before someone an easy start riding across the flat nuclear accident. prairies where they came across A ferry ride took them from Japan finally stopped to several emigrants from Natasha’s to Russia where the contrast in road assist.

The poverty homeland who spotted the Ukrai- conditions and infrastructure was nian flag on their BMW. immense. Driving on one heav- of eastern RusThe next leg of the journey began ily rutted road, the bike slipped sia made a mark. in Japan where a friend, who lived away from them and the couple Most houses still in Lydiard Millicent for two years were badly shaken and bruised have only outside toilets and Brendan said that he could smell villages long beHomage to the Hiroshima Peace Garden fore he could see Motorcycle Repairs them. Hotel accommodation was couple learned of the sudden outequally poor and in one town they break of war with the former Soviet Servicing & Tuning • Servicing were obliged to share a room with state of Georgia. Brendan said, “we • Repairs 30 years experience felt really very vulnerable because six strangers.

• Brakes Crossing the Urals marked the we were quite close to where the Factory trained • Exhausts transition from East to West and the fighting was taking place; the RusHonda • Suzuki • M.O.T. start of insurance cover; which was sians were very aggressive about impossible to obtain for the first part their upstart neighbours.”

• Free call out Kawasaki • Yamaha Crossing the border with Ukraine of the Russian journey. Arriving in • No VAT Volgograd, formerly Stalingrad, the was an ordeal, with hostile customs Call (01793) 481008 • Engine hotel receptionist commented on and border guards insisting on the diagnostics Mob: 07787 183719 Brendan’s New Zealand passport couple unloading and repacking Unit 91, Pembroke Centre, SLATER’S MOBILE SERVICES which she had never seen before. all their possessions twice. Once Cheney Manor Estate, Swindon Within an hour, to everyone’s great safely across, there was time to see Tel: 079999 44262 surprise, three more New Zealand- Natasha’s mother and to visit the ers arrived and one of the party dental hospital in Cherkassy which came from Brendan’s childhood Smile Menders has supported over the years. home town near Otago.

After an uneventful journey Riding through southern Russia, ★ Engine diagnostics ★ Welding ★ Electrical work they noticed helicopters overhead, across Europe, the relieved bikers ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee) fighters taking off from an airfield arrived back in Swindon in SeptemFor a reliable local service with over 30 years experience and armoured vehicles on the roads. ber. “We’re still alive and very lucky (No VAT to pay) Later in the day on Russian TV, the to get back home with just a few bruises,” said Brendan.

CALL GRAHAM ON (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350 “We’re told very few people manage to do the whole trip with a pillion passenger. Natasha is solid gold; she was absolutely brilliant.”

MOBILE CAR REPAIRS

GARY VARDY

MOBILE CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS

Unreadable signs and rutted unmade roads in eastern Russia

www.chipsaway-sven.co.uk

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO

I N D E P E N D E NT

BMW & MERCEDES SPECIALISTS • Fixed Price Service & Inspection • Full Diagnostic Service • Full Air Conditioning Service

PC AUTOCARE

01793 772542 www.pcautocare.co.uk

Unit 1, Bagbury Park, Lydiard Millicent

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 38

✶ All cars welcome ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

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

Open 8.30am 5.30pm

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

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett (Opposite St Ivel)

21/11/08 11:42:28

swindonlink.com • December 2008

39

Sponsors offered TV exposure

A talented motorbike racer from Redhouse is desperate to gain sponsorship by January in order to give him a fighting chance to break into big time competition.

Kenny Gilbertson, 22, has steadily moved up the rankings in his eight year career and is on the brink of the British Superbike Championship, a race series with a TV audience of well over a million.

The former Greendown pupil works hard to sell himself and is often found in the commentary box at race meetings chatting about his prospects. This experience and the contacts he has made means sponsors will gain great brand exposure.

The cost of racing rises with every step up the ladder. Kenny has to raise a minimum of £80,000 to compete at Superbike level and has to deliver his entry money in January, and be building his bike for the start of the season in March.

We have an extensive selection of: Plants for winter planting, including roses, conifers, shrubs and fruit trees.

Also decorative pots planted for seasonal interest. Helpful staff are available to advise on planting through the winter months, or to assist with Christmas present requests.

He’s looking for Swindon business to back him in return for carrying their logo on his bike, leathers and van. He also offers individuals the chance to become a KGR shareholder for just £10.

His web sites are a hive of enterprise, promotion and supporter inclusion at: www.mysuperbike.co.uk and www.kennygilbertsonracing.co.uk

PET FOOD SPECIAL OFFERS Hills Science Plan 15kg £10 off Retail Prices (whilst stocks last) Eukanuba 15kg, all varieties ONLY £39.99 Saving up to £10 Felix Cat Pouches 12 pack Special Price £2.39 Saving £1.10

THE AREA’S LARGEST RANGE OF HORSE FEED & BEDDING

See Kenny in action at www.flickr. com/photos/kennygilbertsonracing To help Kenny, mail: info@mysuperbike.co.uk

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 39

21/11/08 11:31:35

40

Semi-retired Plumber 24hr emergency call out including Christmas and New Year • Leaks and burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks and toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Radiators changed

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

HG P r o p e rt y Maintenance

•Plastering •Decorating •Coving •Kitchen fitting •Tiling •Fascias/guttering •Patios •Fencing . . . and much more!

No job too small Call Andy for a free quotation

07769 707535 01793 323242

Milestone Building Services

General property maintenance Outside Ground works, patios, paving, brickwork, fencing, decking, landscape gardening Inside Carpentry, plumbing, kitchens & bathrooms, tiling & flooring No job too small • Free estimates Dean Scanlon 01793 422032 • 07789 681536

For all your electrical requirements Extensions/Rewires New Installations Testing and Inspection Security Lighting Showers & Fuseboxes Free Quotes 24 hour call out facility

01793 878609 07885 543294

PHONE 4 PHIL For All Your Property Maintenance Requirements • Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849

Discover

Quality Bathroom Installations Showers & General Plumbing Leaking Radiators & Burst Pipes, Etc. Local, reliable & competitive prices

HOME: 01793 615321 MOBILE: 07775 842241

PB Plastering & Bricklaying General Building Services

• What’s On Section. Enter details of your event for free listings • Stories that don’t appear in the magazine • Access to digital editions of The Link • Free community organisation listings - submit your details now • Free listing for all magazine advertisers • Link magazine advertising details

Including Patios & Fencing Block Paved Driveways Skirting & Coving Wall & Floor Tiling Painting & Decorating Call Pete

Tel: 01793 542654 Mob: 07790 283186

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

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

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

Phone: 01793 870040 Mob: 07765 002949

Doctor Glass

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

Call: 01793 633336 or 01793 854448 Emergency call outs: 07976 219671

• Low cost rates for web site only advertising

special marketing deal with Project yourself through online TV Complement your paper advertising in The Link with a 3 minute interview based video to promote yourself See examples of bizview’s work at: www.bizview.tv/profile See their longer interview about The Link at: www.swindonlink.com/about_us

See www.swindonlink.com for a special price

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 40

Extensions • Conservatories Garage & Loft conversions Alterations • Renovations Kitchens • Bathrooms Patios & decking • Garden walls No job too big or small!

18 years experience • References available

Call Neil Tanner for a FREE competitive quote

0800 1357063 / 07967 155502 Mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

Bathrooms

& Kitchens

Complete installations to dripping taps

Ideas to reality

♦ Plumbing inc. pumped showers, towel warmers ♦ Electrics ♦ Wall & floor tiling ♦ Carpentry ♦ Laminate & wood flooring ♦ Appliance installation ♦ Also other home improvements No job too small

Call Mark Ashdown for a free quote Tel: 01793 887766 Mobile: 07979 267757

20/11/08 16:10:12

41

MD BUILDERS

D & M ENTERPRISES For all your property & garden maintenance

we are ... ‘the men to do it ..’

J’s Electrical

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

PREMIER BUILDERS (SWINDON LTD) est. 1989

Brickwork & Roofing Specialists Walling • Extensions • Alterations Houses • Replacement Windows Plans drawn • Full design & build service • Insurance & Grant work Professional workmanship at competitive rates Please call us for a prompt free quotation. ‘No job too small’

Tel: 01793 704653 Mobile: 078899 21570

Unit 14a, Turnpike, Blunsdon

adept

Repairs & Maintenance Electrical (inc. insp & test) Plumbing Domestic/Commercial Design, installations & repairs Fully insured Guaranteed work

Mobile: 07791 905 314 Tel: 01793 491 544 adeptrm@hotmail.com Reliable & Reasonable

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 41

✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

L.J. TILING

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

• Wallpaper specialist • Coving • Dado Rails • Special Effects • Tiling

Tel: 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

email: trevorwyse@uwclub.net www.trevorwyse.co.uk

For friendly help and advice call Michael on 07713 253380 or 01793 814690 after 6pm

24 hour ansaphone 01793 700796

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE

For your ‘Superior Interior’

Home improvements Carpentry Plastering Fencing Garden walls No job too small

Give us a try. For a free no obligation quote, call Jeff on 07747 606344

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

Painter & Decorator

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST

■ All types of fencing, decking, pagodas ■ Painting & decorating ■ Laminate flooring ■ Ceramic & floor tiles ■ Kitchen fitting ■ Secondary fit carpentry ■ Plaster boarding, plastering & rendering ■ Plumbing, bathroom suites

A local reliable & friendly service

TREVOR WYSE

Professional, experienced tiler Specialist in all aspects of the trade • Walls & floors • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Conservatories Call Leon for a free, no obligation quote on: 01793 524147 or 07919 255673

COUNTYWIDE HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES ❖ Gas and LPG ❖ Boiler servicing & breakdowns ❖ Boiler exchange ❖ Full system installation ❖ Landlord safety checks ❖ Power flush ❖ Plumbing ❖ Emergency call outs Reliable friendly service

Competitive rates Tel. 01793 887419 Mob. 07912 882090 countywideheating@yahoo.co.uk

GB

PLUMBING SERVICES

• • • • • • • •

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

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

ALL SEASONS 24 HR impact PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES

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

TileSure

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

Qualified tradesman, 28 years experience

swindon 09 Advertise in the town’s most closely read publication.

Call 01793 602540 for details www.swindonlink.com

VINE UK LTD Plumbing, central heating, powerflushing

All plumbing, central heating and drainage Boiler servicing, repairs and replacements Natural Gas, LPG and Oil Approved Full Kitchens and Bathrooms Electrical and Gas Safety Testing Solar Heating • Building & maintenance Corgi and Part P Registered

Lee Avery (01793) 423000 or 07773 344715 20/11/08 16:10:52

42

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

RS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

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

FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION

Wall & Floor Tiling

BUILDING SERVICES

BUILDING SERVICES

Galaxy Construction Ltd

Paul Rhind

    

Extensions

Plastering & coving

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

Interior & Exterior Painting & Decorating

FREE ESTIMATES

Telephone: (01793) 497461 Mobile: 07919 671307

For free estimate call Paul Comer on 01793 321981 or 07775 840236

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

ain te

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

r&

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

EP

• High quality experienced workmanship • All work undertaken • A friendly reliable service with references available • Full Public Liability Insurance cover

ID

Independent decorator specialising in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ Domestic and small commercial ✓ Insurance work undertaken ✓ Full Public Liability insurance ✓ Free no obligation quotation ✓ References available Age Concern registered decorator

PR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

De cor ato r

DECORATOR

01793 876600 07748 964433

Conservatories, fascias and guttering

Block paved driveways

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

Approved Plumber

UPVC windows & doors

Garden walls & patios

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

Free estimates

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

Garage conversions

HEATING & PLUMBING

Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

HEATING & PLUMBING Quality Plumbing & Heating

RJ PEARCE

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD Plumbing & Heating Services

SERVICES Plumbing & Heating Prompt & Efficient Service Fixed Quotations No Call Out Charge

30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

Central heating installations All Plumbing work undertaken Servicing & repairs Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates

20 years experience in plumbing work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • All work guaranteed • No job too small

Alec McKay Tel: 01793 878353 Mobile: 07963 953439

E-mail: alecmckay@aol.com

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

PLASTERING

PLUMBING

KTL

Brian Jones Plastering Services

Call Nick on: 07875 088864

Plastering

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

Home: 01793 709811 Mobile: 07778 665115

Dec 08 Repair & Improv.indd 42

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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

Tel: 01793 849010 Mobile: 07976 572905

• Central heating installation • • • • •

Boiler servicing & repairs Replacement boilers Outside taps Power showers Bathrooms & tiling Reg: 128966

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367

PLUMBING Select Plumbing Services Repairs, maintenance or new installation at a competitive price

• Everything from a new tap washer, to a complete bathroom suite.

• No job is too small.

• No callout charge.

• Free estimates.

For a professional, reliable service, contact us now Tel: 01793 875888 Mobile: 07951761764 www.selectplumbingservices.co.uk

20/11/08 16:36:42

43

CARPENTRY

CARPENTRY

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

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

DOUBLE GLAZING

ELECTRICIAN

CARPENTRY

J&R Carpentry Services

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

Free no obligation quotes

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

ELECTRICIAN

SAFE & SHAW

Arc Electrical Services Ltd

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Windows, Doors, Conservatories

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

01793 611398 07968 757860

HOME MAINTENANCE

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

Please call 07769 883717

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

PLUMBING

• Installations and modifications, interior or exterior • Full compliance to all regulations • P.A.T. undertaken • All work fully guaranteed • Free quotations • 24hr call out • Fast, top quality service

Steve George

for Kitchens & Bathrooms Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

ALL KITCHENS FITTED

(Howdens, Jewsons etc.)

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

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

30 years experienced tradesman

ROOFING

TILING

GILES BROS From an annoying drip to a full bathroom re-fit No call out charge Free quotations Professional & friendly service

07747 752190 01793 529192

Dec 08 Repair & Improv.indd 43

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

PAINTING & DECORATING Inc. WALL PAPERING

Domestic and Commercial

All work guaranteed

Free Quotations

Tel: 01793 727942

FLOORING

P.J.J. FLOORING SERVICES All aspects of flooring: wood to carpet MASTERFITTER

N I CF

arcelectrics@aol.com

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

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

01793 872054 0770 480 1959

DECORATOR MARK PONTING

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

❇❇❇

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Call Neil on 01793 700436 07725 028776

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers

Wood & ceramics • Supply or fit only Commercial/domestic • Safety flooring All work guaranteed 17 years experience Call now for a free, at home consultation

01793 493119 07970 865883

MAINTENANCE

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES Retired and semi-retired tradesmen available for all household tasks Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Decorating Plastering • Patios • Extensions

Call Andrew on 07718 022201

• Reliable • Trustworthy • • Affordable •

TILING

TileSure

CERAMIC TILING

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

ALL SEASONS 24 HR

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES QUALITY FINISH

Call Maurice on 01793 349704 or 07904 142692

20/11/08 16:37:13

44 44

ACCOUNTANCY ACCOUNTANCY Lynette Lynette White White MAAT MAAT Accountancy Accountancy Services Services

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

Telephone: Telephone: 01793 01793 521020 521020 Mobile: 07877 Mobile: 07877 950625 950625

Email: lynettewhite48@btinternet.com Email: lynettewhite48@btinternet.com

ACCOUNTANCY ACCOUNTANCY

DBH

NECK NECK PAIN PAIN BACK BACK PAIN PAIN HEADACHES HEADACHES SPORTS SPORTS INJURY INJURY CAR CARACCIDENT ACCIDENT

Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 610008 610008

CARPET CARPET CLEANING CLEANING

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike. heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

The TheCarpet Carpet&& Upholstery UpholsteryCleaning CleaningSpecialist Specialist

Clare Duncan-Hawes Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC BSc (Hons) MSc DC

Member of the Member of the British Chiropractic British Chiropractic Association & College of Association & College of Chiropractors.

Registered Chiropractors.

Registered with GCC with GCC

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk 54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

COMPUTER COMPUTER SUPPORT SUPPORT Computer Computer problems? problems?

Let us help Let us help We provide a range of computer

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

COMPUTER COMPUTER SUPPORT SUPPORT Com Com Master’s Master’s PC PC Repairs Repairs

Why Why go go anywhere anywhere else? else?

When we’ll When we’ll come come to to you..... you.....

✻ Free home & business visits ✻ Free home & business visits ✻ Jargon free advice & support ✻ Jargon free advice & support ✻ Upgrades/repairs ✻ Upgrades/repairs ✻ All parts & labour guaranteed ✻ All parts & labour guaranteed ✻ Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends ✻ Flexible hours, inc. eve/weekends

Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 422534 422534 or or Mobile: 0792 Mobile: 0792 005 005 6077 6077

Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 325685 325685 Mob: Mob: 07836 07836 671860 671860

OVEN OVEN CLEANING CLEANING

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Fully insured • Quickly usable • Quickly usable You’ll be amazed how affordable it is You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

DVD DVD TRANSFER TRANSFER ANYTHING ANYTHING TRANSFERRED TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD ONTO DVD DISC DISC

Specialist Specialist in in Cine Cine Film Film Transfer, Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, Camcorder Tapes, VHS VHS Tapes, Tapes, Camcorder Camcorder Discs Discs We We collect collect and and deliver deliver over over aa wide wide area area

Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 705333 705333 Mobile: Mobile: 07831 07831 575758 575758

PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ PO Box 2079, Manvers St, Bath BA1 3TJ

OVEN OVEN CLEANING CLEANING

SWINDON SWINDON OVEN OVEN CLEANING CLEANING The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

The Domestic Oven Cleaning Service

To To book book your your oven clean oven clean call call Maggie Maggie on on 01793 01793 520362 520362

We We use use caustic caustic free free cleaning products cleaning products with with aa fresh fresh solution solution every every time time Hobs, extractors and Hobs, extractors and microwaves microwaves also also undertaken undertaken

Service Sector Dec 08indd.indd 44 Service Sector Dec 08indd.indd 44 21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 44

Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 700078 700078 Mobile: Mobile: 07904 07904 330724 330724

www.dykebrading.co.uk www.dykebrading.co.uk

01793 01793 602454 602454

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

No No call call out out charge charge

email: abp@dykebrading.co.uk email: abp@dykebrading.co.uk

Free 20 minute consultation Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic to assess if Chiropractic will benefit you. will benefit you.

Please call Please call

C CHRIS HRIS P PAYNE AYNE ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Small Small Business Business Specialists Specialists

FREE FREE SPINAL SPINAL HEALTH HEALTH CHECK CHECK

AERIAL AERIAL SERVICES SERVICES

A AERIALS ERIALS & & SSATELLITE ATELLITE S SYSTEMS YSTEMS

Chartered Chartered Certifi Certified ed Accountants Accountants

CHIROPRACTOR CHIROPRACTOR

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CLEANING CLEANING

Bluebelles Bluebelles Cleaning Cleaning

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

07955 07955 374 374 201 201

MINI MINI BUS BUS HIRE HIRE

AIRPORT AIRPORT SERVICE SERVICE

From From Swindon Swindon to... to...

Gatwick Gatwick -- Heathrow Heathrow Bristol Bristol -- Birmingham Birmingham Stansted Stansted

For family holidays, business For family holidays, business trips and all occasions, we cater trips and all occasions, we cater for 1 to 8 passengers for 1 to 8 passengers Call for a competitive quote now!

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Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 703899 703899

REMOVALS REMOVALS

REMOVALS REMOVALS

SINGLE SINGLE ITEMS ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE MOVED ANYWHERE IN IN SWINDON SWINDON FOR FOR £20! £20!

Single items to full house removals Single items to full house removals Hourly rates Hourly rates Fully Insured Fully Insured Disposal of unwanted items Disposal of unwanted items Last minute bookings Last minute bookings Professional, friendly and reliable Professional, friendly and reliable We guarantee to beat any We guarantee to beat any written quote written quote

White Van Man Great Great house house removal removal prices prices

Disposal Disposal of of unwanted unwanted items items Garden rubbish Garden rubbish removed removed 77 DAYS DAYS A AWEEK, WEEK, UP UP TO TO 9PM 9PM Fully insured.

Call for a free Fully insured. Call for a free quote quote

Tel: Tel: 01793 01793 706821 706821 Mobile: Mobile: 07796 07796 236436 236436

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Tel Tel -- 07876 07876 338025 338025

20/11/08 16:53:52 20/11/08 16:53:52 17:07:47 20/11/08 16:57:09

Service S 21-52 D Service

45

For sale in aid of Naomi House Children’s Hospice

Book-kEEpING

AppLIANCE rEpAIrS

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

Guaranteed Guaranteed repairs to to repairs all makes all makes of domestic domestic of appliances appliances

‘thoughtfully designed for people who define their workday the way they see fit’ Brand new, boxed, never used. Offers of £180 upward.

Mail Naomi House Swindon fundraiser for details: nicstyles2002@hotmail.com

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

Tel: 01793 01793 700637 700637 Tel: or 07963 07963 637748 637748 or

Same day/next day/next day day service service Same

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEANING aria Baskerville askerville Maria

Homes That That Homes Sparkle From Sparkle From People Who Shine People Who Shine

the new new the cleaning cleaning company company based in in based Priory Vale Vale Priory

Affordable & & reliable reliable cleaning cleaning Affordable programmes, tailored tailored to to meet meet programmes, your needs needs and and budget budget your Regular cleans, cleans, Spring Spring cleans, cleans, Regular Moving in in or or out out cleans cleans Moving Trained and and insured insured staff staff Trained Equipment and and supplies supplies provided provided Equipment Quality Service Service Guarantee Guarantee Quality

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GArAGE DoorS juST Pull Pull uP, uP, PreSS PreSS A A juST buTTon AnD AnD Drive Drive in in buTTon

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A wide wide range range of of garage garage doors doors A to suit suit your your requirements requirements to See our our displays displays at at See

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

01793 513796

email:swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk swindondoorservice@btinternet.co.uk email:

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10% discount discount with with this this advert advert 10%

VHS to DVD TransferVHS VHS to to DVD DVD Transfer plus all all Tapes Tapes & & Slides Slides plus

8mm && 16mm 16mm Cinefilm Cinefilm •• 8mm Frame-by-Frame, •• Frame-by-Frame, Broadcast standard standard Broadcast All Camcorder Camcorder formats formats DV, DV,Hi8 Hi8 etc. etc.

•• All Transfer your your family’s family’s heritage heritage onto onto DVD DVD ••Transfer Photos && Slides Slides onto onto CD CD or or DVD DVD •• Photos Obsolete formats, formats,i.e. i.e.Betamax, Betamax, •• Obsolete Video2000,Laserdisc Laserdisc etc. etc.

Video2000, Discounts for for large large collections collections •• Discounts

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Call 01793 01793 495733 495733 or or 07940 07940 810733 810733 Call www.savethosememories.co .uk .uk www.savethosememories.co DON’T DELAY DELAY SAVE SAVETHOSE THOSE DON’T MEMORIESTODAY TODAY MEMORIES

WINDoW CLEANING

Brighter Windows Windows -- that that stay stay Brighter clean for for longer longer clean

Tom and Clinton with pupils at Harold Cressy High School

Pupils at Harold Cressy High School in Cape Town heard about Swindon schools from Nova's community coordinator, Tom Wilkes. He spent five days visiting schools in the Cape Town area on a teaching exchange visit funded by the British Council. He was accompanied

by Swindon Sports Partnership sports coordinator, Clinton Classon, originally from South Africa.

Although there are tremendous differences in terms of resources, some issues faced by staff are identical. "They are up against it in terms of improving standards in the same as way as schools in the UK; they have targets to meet."

The South African school has recently been equipped with an IT room and this will be key to establishing links and sharing work with Nova Hreod. The two schools have agreed on nine collaborative projects including history and geography projects and establishing a parent council at Harold Cressy, similar to the one at Nova.

During assemblies Mr Wilkes took the opportunity to teach the South African youngsters some geography. He captured their attention by basing his talk around the premiership football teams that they all follow. He also showed a

documentary made by Nova pupils recording the move into Nova's new building. "They were absolutely in awe of our building compared to theirs and asked how much pupils pay to come to Nova."

Tom and Clinton took in tourist sites in the southern Cape and made a moving visit to the plot of land in District 6 where Clinton’s mother once lived before she and 60,000 others were forced to move out during the Apartheid regime.

In December two teachers from Harold Cressy High will visit Nova to develop the contact between the schools.

Tom Wilkes with The Link in front of Cape Town’s World Cup 2010 stadium

Competitiverates rates&&free freequotes quotes Competitive

Windows, Conservatories, Conservatories, Signs, Signs, ●● Windows, Facades, Panelling Panelling & & Cladding Cladding Facades, Residential & & Businesses Businesses ●● Residential ● Builders First clean ● Builders First clean Cleans up up to to 45’ 45’–– 44 flfloors oors ●● Cleans

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t/f: 01793 01793 706447 706447 m: m: 07737 07737 371393 371393 t/f: e: trwindowcleaning@swindon.myzen.co.uk trwindowcleaning@swindon.myzen.co.uk e: www.trwindowcleaning.com www.trwindowcleaning.com

TRWC 45x57 45x57 SwindonLinkMag.indd SwindonLinkMag.indd 11 TRWC

Service Sector Sector Dec Dec 08indd.indd 08indd.indd 45 45 Service 21-52 21-52 December December 08 08 extreme.indd extreme.indd 45 45

Seeing images of Nova Hreod, their new partner school, South African youngsters were amazed at the facilities available free of charge.

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

CLEANING

16:53:52 16:53:52 16:57:09

Nova inspires projects in Cape Town school

Winners

The winner of the Lumie Bodyclock Dawn Simulator competition in the November Link is Shelley Godwin from Greenmeadow.

The winner of 16 disc collection Heroes: the films of John Pilger 1970 - 2007 is Carol Shelley of Blunsdon St Andrew.

Parent and Toddler Club at Toothill Primary School

Every Tuesday 1-3pm during term time

Enquiries:

01793 497250

9/6/08 14:38:03 14:38:03 9/6/08

20/11/08 16:47:26 16:47:26 20/11/08 20/11/08 20/11/08 17:09:45 16:57:39

46

swindonlink.com • December 2008

We believe that Jesus Christ is able to forgive our past, give meaning to the present and hope for the future

Sunday services are at 10am & 6.30pm

For further information you can either ring (01793) 873050; e-mail: office@freshbrook.org or visit: www.freshbook.org

“the gift of God is Eternal Life” (Romans 6 v23)

Knitters raise big total

Age Concern Swindon is thanking hundreds of Swindon knitters who took part in the Autumn Big Knit.

They produced 13,810 minibobble hats to decorate Innocent smoothie drinks in Sainsbury’s.

By smashing their target of 12,000, £6,500 was raised for Age Concern’s welfare benefits advice service, the volunteer visiting and befriending service to housebound lonely older people, as well as information, advice and the advocacy service - helping older people speak up and get things sorted out. The funds will also assist in maintaining the loan service - see right.

Midwe ek Babies & Toddle rs Group (Wed)

Alpha

Alpha Courses in Midwe ek Small Groups n tow the oss acr s me Ho

Join us, Sundays from 10:30am at the Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Westlea, for a time of family worship & bible teaching

Kids Church & Ignite

11-18’s Youth Work

call the church For more information 130 or visit 526 93 017 on office ww w.gatewaychurchsw

indon.org.uk

Practical help for colder older people

It’s never too late to plan for cold weather and Age Concern Swindon has lots of tips and information about keeping warm this winter.

The cold snap in mid-November on 692166 or call into Number One reminded us that it might get nippy Milton Road from Monday to Fribetween now and Springtime, and day, 10am to 4pm. An answerphone Age Concern Swindon has emer- is available outside these hours. gency electric convector heaters on If a collection cannot be arranged, offer. There is no charge for borrow- Age Concern can deliver within ing them though cash donations are Swindon if necessary. always welcome.

Call this number for a winter Just call Age Concern Swindon warmth information pack too.

Abbey Meads puts on a class act

The Church of Christ the Servant at Abbey Meads Centre is holding carols by candlelight with a difference on Sunday 21 December, 6.30pm Three local professional musicians and singers will be performing, as well as a newly formed children’s choir and junior singers, in between Bible readings. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards.

Christmas music with master composer

For more than 30 years Graham Kendrick has been at the forefront of Christian music, having written and recorded hundreds of songs including Shine Jesus Shine, The Servant King and Amazing Love. Now he’s coming to the Wyvern, writes Barbara Aftelak of Swindon Churches Together.

With words from the Gospel and He’ll perform songs from his Dreaming of a Holy Night album, echoes of traditional carols the conwith his band and a local volunteer cert will inspire and help people enchoir. Presented with atmospheric counter the Nativity story in a fresh, lighting and evocative visuals, the creative and challenging way.

It takes place on Monday 8 Demusic expresses a heartfelt longing for a different kind of world – where cember. The evening performance is the peace and goodwill we associ- a sell out but there are tickets availate with the best of the Christmas able for the matinee at 3.30pm.Call the Wyvern box office on 524481. season becomes a reality for all.

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons

Sunday Worship 10.30am Sunday School and Creche

Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Meeting at Abbey Meads Community School

St. John’s Haydon Wick Sunday Services 9am 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting

www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk WORSHIP WITH US @

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD OVERCOMERS HOUSE, SWINDON

A Pentecostal Church where you can find love, forgiveness, joy and hope for all your situations Sundays: Worship Service: 10.30am Saturdays: Prayers / Bible Study: 6pm - 7pm 1st Saturday of the month: Prayer & Fasting: 6pm - 7pm

Xmas Carols & Dinner: Saturday 20th December, 6pm to 8pm For prayer, counselling and information contact: Pastor Kunle Gabriel Adegboyega

01793 322506 / 0774 7520992 Email: rccgswindon@yahoo.co.uk

Toothill Community Centre, Dunwich Drive, West Swindon SN5 8DH

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 46

Join us in worship on Sunday mornings

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

21/11/08 11:39:38

DOUBLE THE DEAL. MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE. The Ridings Taw Hill SN25 1WB e Boulevard, 39,995

Th £2 m homes from 3 & 4 bedroo 7 0845 026 418 n centres open io at rm fo Sales in 0am – 5.00pm Monday, 10.0 Thursday to 84 84 0

e66 to or text Georg

d Summermeaoff Southwold Close,

George Wimpey and Bryant Homes are two of the largest names in housebuilding.

Together under the Taylor Wimpey banner we can offer you so much more – more choice, more deals,* more opportunities for a money-saving move.

, Callington Road F 2B 25 SN £119,995 Haydon m homes from oo dr be 6 & 5 2, 4, 9 0845 026 416 centre open daily, n io at rm Sales info pm 10.00am – 5.00 4 to 84840 e6 rg eo G xt or te

Oakley Park

ay, off Dorcan W 5BL 3 SN n do in Sw m £99,995 oom homes fro dr be 5 1, 2, 3 & 7 0845 026 415n centre open daily, io at rm fo in s le Sa 00pm 10.00am – 5. e62 to 84840 rg eo G or text

KINGS WALK

Wantage, Oxfordshire OX1 2 9AJ 2 bedroom ap artments from £169,995 0845 672 4137 Marketing Suite open Thursday to M onday, 10.00am – 5.00pm or text Bryant2 0 to 84840

Recommend a friend – and you both get £2000 each!

If you recommend a friend to either George Wimpey or Bryant Homes and they reserve a new home and complete before Christmas 2008, we will give you £2000 on completion – and the same to your friend!

You must complete a form BRYANT AT RO before they reserve – SE HILL M arketing Suite forms are available from on Rivermead Road, Rose Hill, Oxfor all our developments in d OX4 4UB 2 bedroom ap artments and this region.*

Royal Mead Town, Swindon SN1 4JH kus Road, Old

O ,995 mes from £224 4 bedroom ho 3 0845 026 416n centres open Thursday io at Sales inform pm .00am – 5.00 to Monday, 10 0 84 84 to 3 e6 or text Georg

2, 3 & 4 bedroo m

0845 672 4144homes from £159,000

NEW SHOWHOMES OPEN NOW!

Marketing Suite op 9.30am – 5.00pm en daily, or text Bryant2 1 to 84840

adow Guernsey Mew Hill, Swindon SN25 1TA , Ta off Torun Way £199,995 m homes from oo dr be 5 & 4 3, 2 0845 676 243 centres open n io at rm fo Sales in m – 5.00pm onday, 10.00a Thursday to M 0 84 e61 to 84 or text Georg

ey.co.uk georgewimp

21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 47

Prices and availability correct at time of going to press.

Imagery depicts typical George Wimpey and Bryant interiors. *Offers on selected developments and plots and subject to terms and conditions.

bryant.co.uk

20/11/08 16:15:34

Christmas Skate Ad v2

17/11/08

15:43

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Monday 22 December ★ Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 3.30pm Playing traditional Christmas songs.

Tuesday 23 ★ Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 3.30pm Santa’s Christmas Party 4.30pm - 6.00pm A family session with Christmas songs. There is a chance to meet the man himself.

SubZero Christmas Party 8.30pm -10.30pm A SubZero night with a twist! Skate away to a night full of funky tunes and lighting effects.

Wednesday 24

★

★

Sunday 28 Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 12.00pm Family Christmas Party 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Monday 29 ★ Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 3.30pm

Tuesday 30 ★ Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 3.30pm Classic Christmas Session 4.30pm - 6.00pm

Wednesday 31

10.00am - 1.00pm

Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 1.00pm

Christmas Eve Party 1.00pm - 3.30pm Fun, games and lots of on the spot prizes, playing past and present chart music.

New Year’s Eve Party 1.00pm - 3.30pm Fun, games and lots of on the spot prizes, playing past and present chart music.

★ Classic Christmas Session

Saturday 27 Classic Christmas Session 10.00am - 12.00pm Family Christmas Party 2.45pm - 4.45pm Lots of fun, games and prizes. Playing traditional Christmas songs and chart music.

Ice Hockey Match 5.45pm Wildcats Vs Telford Tigers

★

Christmas Offer ★ Classic Christmas Session Come to one of the Classic Christmas Sessions marked with a star for a chance to have a free group lesson with one of our coaches. Lessons are free to the first 20 people to register on the day - 10 per lesson.

Group Lesson Times: 10.15 - 10.30am or 10.30 - 10.45am

Centre closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

01793 445566 www.swindon.gov.uk/xmasice Whitehill Way,Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL 21-52 December 08 extreme.indd 48

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