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West Swindon's

agazine

Wakkies

4 Aff

No. 95 February 1990 Circulation 10,000

'Back to the Future' Bus comes to West Swindon Elizabeth Wood reports on the chance for women to visit a mobile information and advice service on 22 February A national campaign has been launched in conjunction with Job Centres and Radio 4's Woman's Hour to help women who wish to return to work. As part of this campaign an Action Bus will betouringthe country during the next few weeks and on 22 February the bus is visiting West Swindon. Brenda Lyle from Swindon Job Centre said "In Swindon we are setting up a local service to act as a link between women returning to work and employers. We are setting up an information centre on training available, childcare provision and so on. Employers are already aware of the need to attract women into jobs because of the falling number of school leavers. We hope that the Action Bus will stimulate interest and act as a focus for the campaign. We chose West Swindon in particular because we feel that there is a large number of potential women returners in this area." The bus will be staffed by people from the local Job Centre who can give advice and information. Women who are thinking about returning to work can register the details of the kind of work they are looking for, their training requirements and their needs for childcare. These details can then be matched to the jobs and facilities that are available. The bus will be at the Asda Car Park, West Swindon Centre from 9.00a.m. - 5.00p.m. on 22 February. For further details telephone the Swindon Job Centre on 533601 and ask for Job Link.

Leisure Suite Blunsdon House Hotel Blunsdon 721701 ext 124 Monday to Saturday

Let's not forget Ethiopia Collection point at West Swindon Centre during February With all the media attention lately turned towards eastern Europe and the winter hardships experienced by the peoples of Romania, it is unfortunate that the plight of the starving in parts of Africa is being ignored.

Why did Thamesdown's Mayor have a Roman escort on 20 January?

Find out on page 12

Help raise £1,500 for West Swindo children with special needs. A local insurance broker is organising a grand raffle fo Westlea School and offering £250 in prizes. On page i we visit the school to look at their efforts to give eve child the chance to develop their full potential.

But it is now, early 1990, that the famine predicted a few months ago will be taking hold unlessrelief suppliesget through. Large areas of northern Ethiopia are affected where the rains have failed, resulting in a 85% to 90% loss of the hoped for harvest. Some 4 million people in the Tigray and Eritrea parts of the country are thought to be caught up in the famine area, which is also racked by a long running civil war. Despite the lack of media exposure in recent weeks, the television coverage at the end of 1989 when severely malnourished people were shown gathering in growing numbers at relief camps has raised large amount large amounts of money, according to RogerJames, South West Area Campaigns Organiser for Oxfam. "The Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal raised over £4.5 million during the Christmas period," he said. "Although Ethiopia is not in the news at present, there is a huge basic concern amongst British people for the people in the camps. "We're now in the danger period. The harvest failed some months ago and what little reserves were available have been used up. Oxfam, working with several other relief agencies, is providing large quantities of emergency food aid. Money is also being spent on long term help to try and get the agricultural system ready for the next harvest." Mr James also said it was unfortunate that there was more media coverage when people are actually starving, rather than highlighting the effort needed beforehand to prevent famine. However he thought there had been a magnificent response at the end of last year, but the need for emergency aid continues. He also wanted to point out that Oxfam has donated £100,000 in medical aid to Romania. The Oxfam shop in Faringdon Road, Swindon will take donations and cheques can be sent to Oxfam, 67 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS65JX. There is also a container in The Mail at the West Swindon Centre where donations can be left during February.

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FRONT PIECE Taxi struggling for cash Help from local companies needed to keep disabled taxi service on road

people, to take the WOW vehicle off the road: Wheelchair bound people in West Swindon are at a disadvantage and could lose a valuable service, says WOW secretary Laurence Yeoman. "The Swindon Dial-A-Ride scheme does not operate in this area, so the WOW vehicle has been a godsend for many people who find it difficult to get out and about. WOW secretary Laurence Yeoman helps Linda Beck on board the WOW "WOW started as something taxi watched by Roy Williams in the car and Brian and Tina Haylock of an experiment with grants from the Allied Dunbar Charitable Trust and several other small charities. There is such a tremendous demand for the Published by West vehicle, but to cover our costs we Nicholas Hartley M.A., Vet. M.B. M.R.C.V.S. Swindon Publications would have to charge from £5 per 62 - 64 Purton Road. 13 Castle Dore VET journey, a lot more than the Tel: Swindon 26780 Freshbrook, Swindon current rates. Apart from the Mon. - Fri. 9am- lOam; Editorial: Roger Ogle, finances, the drivers are now 2pm-3pm; 5pm-6pm Open Surgery Mon. - Fri. working voluntarily and Publisher/Editor \ sometimes we can't find anybody 6pm-6.3Opm Tel: (0793) 872282 Renault Saturday 9am-llam to drive which is making the Advertising Sales: Centre Elizabeth Wood Tel: 871793 service unreliable." 29 Cavendish Square. At the moment the main d Apple Macintosh design, Tel: Swindon 511267 financial outlay for the VM layout and lasersetting by 24 Hour organisation is a monthly contract Keystrokes Electronic Design Emergency TOOthII Freabrook Printed by Western Webb, Bristol hire fee of £700 paid to the PHH Am Service vehicle management company at Windmill Hill Business Park for Published on the Wednesday closest to the first of the month. the WOW car. To continue, WOW CAROLINE OCKWELL needs an annual budget of Copy date: 20th of the month. TAXATION CONSULTANCY £53,000. They estimate £18,000 March edition published on can be raised from fares, which 28 February. 1 Are you paying too much tax? leaves them £35,000 short to pay "The Link was first published in drivers and for administration El Are you taking advantage of the December 1978 exclusively for and running costs. new rules for taxation of husband the West Swindon community. "WOW has offered people with It is completely independent of and wife from April 1990? Link Centre and, In fact, won the disabilities the same type of Professional Advice on Income Tax, El freedom that everybody else takes competition to name the leisure for granted," said WOW centre in 1984. The magazine is Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax entirely self-supporting from chairwoman Linda Beck of and National Insurance advertising." Liskeard Way, Freshbrook. "We Caroline 0 c I'e 11 should be available 24 hours a Contents day, 7 days a week and we Member of the Institute of Taxation Front Piece 3 desperately need the money to be 180 Thames Avenue, Greenmeadow, Swindon 4 Toothili able to do this. Without it there's 6 Freshbrook & Grange Tel: 725919 no way we can continue."

A unique taxi service could go under unless more cash is found to run it. WOW Accessible Transport has been successfully operating a taxi service for people with disabilities for nearly a year using a specially converted car which takes wheelchairs. However, having provided mobility and a sense of freedom for many disabled people, financial pressures could force the voluntary management committee of mainly disabled

THAMESWOOD VETERINARY CLINIC

The Link

Park Westlea 7 Shaw 8 10-11 For Women 12-13 Arts Scene 14 Recreation 15 Education Matters 16 Day in the Life 18 At Your Library 20-28 New & Views 29 Home & Garden 31 End Pieces The Reference Page 32

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Table Top Sale • Sàtuday 3 February, ToôthilI Community Centre Hire a table top for £3. TeI:614492.

Help Martin lose loadsa weight A Toothill father of three is looking to local people to help him get rid of a lot of weight and in the process help the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Martin Bradshaw of Longthorpe Close is desperate to bring his weight down from over 20 stone to a more manageable 13. He reduced his weight by 4 stone during 1989, but to get any further he needs encouragement. "I've started several diets over the years, but never stuck to them," admitted Martin. "But I'm on my own now, so lowe it to the children to get myself fit and healthy." Martin is using the Cambridge Diet 'Sole Source' programme which means that he is only able to have four diet balanced flavoured drinks per day supplied by local Cambridge Counsellor Jan Jandrell. "I've been tempted to eat," said Martin, "but I don't have hunger pains. The drinks take care of that. I can feel myself getting smaller by the week; my aim is to reach 13 stone

Little and large: Martin and his pre-school daughter Lisa by the end of the year. I'm hoping there are lots of readers who will help me and help the NSPCC." Martin has sponsorship for £100 already for friends and neighbours. Readers who can give him a greater incentive and want to help the NSPCC in their work can contact Martin via Jan Jandrell on 872693.

Lunch club organiser Lily Wiley serves up the crumble Toothill's Lunch Club for pensioners needs somebody who can help club organiser Lily Wiley with cooking duties. The lunch club meets on a Wednesday in Toothill Community Centre and caters for around sixty people. The team of volunteers who prepare and serve the lunch and clear-up afterwards meet at 9.30a.m. and finish at 2.30p.m. Out of pocket expenses are paid and lunch is included in return for the voluntary effort. More information and offers of help can be made to Lily Wiley or Community Centre clerk Robina Winslow on 614492.

Coming up at Toothill Community Centre Neighbourhood Worker Lucie Hartley reports on developments in Toothill

Tel: Swindon

Race Night

825795

Why not come to the races at Toothill Community Centre on Saturday 24 February? A race night is as near as you can get to the real thing (without bring horses into the centre!) and it is a great night out. Eight films of american horses races are shown on a screen. Prizes can be won in various ways; people may either place bets on horses before each race and/or they can buy a horse. If your horse wins a race, not only

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do you win a prize but your horse will go through to the grand final. The winner of this race receives £100. The evening will be lots of fun all round and there will be a bar and food provided. Admission is £1 (including food). Local businesses may sponsor and name a race. Horses and tickets can be bought on or before the night at the Community Centre. Doors open at 700p.m. Races begin at 8.00p.m.

Would you like to save regularly and/or borrow cheaply? Then why not join Toothill Credit Union says neighbourhood worker Lucie Hartley.

Toothill Credit Union is owned and run by a group of people who live in Toothill. It has around 50 members. Members are encouraged to save small amounts of money on a regular basis. After saving for 8 weeks members can take out a loan at a very cheap rate of interest (1% a month on the outstanding balance of the loan. This is cheaper than any bank). The member is encouraged to still save small amounts while paying back the loan. Toothill Credit Union does not make a profit. It is run by and for people living in Toothill. Anyone living in Toothill can apply to join. If you would like to join the Credit Union or know more about it, come along to the Community Centre between 12.00p.m. and I .00p.m. on a Tuesday or between 7.00p.m. and 8.00p.m. on a Friday.

Valentines Day Dance Saturday 10 February. There will be a bar, food and music. Admission is 50p and the night begins at 7.00p.m. (This event is for adults).

Tea Dance Sunday 18 March 300p.m. 6.00p.m. Organist. Ballroom, sequence and fun dancing. Admission 75p.

Thrift Shop closes until more help is found The Thrift Shop at Toothill Community Centre still needs one or two more volunteers. If you could help every Friday morning, please phone the community centre on 614492. Until new volunteers are found the thrift shop is closing. It will be open on 16 February at 10.30a.m. for those who wish to collect money or take back unsold clothes.

NEED HELP OR ADVICE ON BENEFITS IF YOU ARE DISABLED HOUSING BENEFIT GAS OR ELECTRICITY BILLS HOUSING RENT ARREARS

PROBLEMS WITH THE DSS FAMILY CREDIT DEBT GENERAL ADVICE ABOUT BENEFITS POLL TAX

If so, you have an Advice Point in your area where you can get help and advice with these things. CALL IN AT YOUR LOCAL ADVICE POINT AT: TOOTHILL ADVICE POINT TOOTHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE DUNWICH DRIVE TOOTHILL OPEN: TUESDAY 10.00a.m. - 12 noon

WEST SWINDON ADVICE POINT WEST SWINDON FAMILY PROJECT 15 GAINSBOROUGH WAY FRESHBROOK OPEN: MON, WED, FRI 10a.m. - 12 noon

Advice is free, confidential and independent of the DSS

6 Ladybirds Jumble Sale Saturday 10 February. Zpm. Small Hall, Freshbrook Community Centre ZOp Admission includes Free Raffle Ticket Refreshments Proceeds to Freshbrook Ladybirds Parent & Toddler Group

Facechoice Pharmacy Freshbrook Village Centre Tel: 870226

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm; 2.15pm - 7pm Saturday 9am 1 2.3Opm

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Breaking the rules and invading privacy A locally based multi-national company is flouting planning regulations claims a local councillor. Freshbrook councillor Bob Pixton says security cameras and infra-red lights on tall poles around the Galileo company's glass sided computer centre at Windmill Hill Business Park have been erected without permission. "I was dismayed when I saw the plans," said Coun. Pixton. "Some of the cameras were pointing towards the houses in Grange Park across the Hook Road; an invasion of privacy. I asked planning officers atThamesdown to discuss the scheme again, but you can imagine my surprise

when I noticed the planned cameras up and running before the plans had even been to the Planning Committee. "I have asked the officers to take immediate action. The company is riding rough shod over the planning rules and sticking two fingers up to local residents." John O'Keefe for Galileo said he believed all planning requirements had been complied with and had heard nothing from the planning authority. He added that the company had made every effort to quickly resolve problems raised by residents nearby whenever they arose.

JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB COMING TO FRESHBROOK Calling all 6-14 year olds Come to Freshbrook Centre Saturday 17th February, 10am and 12 noon Enjoy yourselves but make sure you tell us what you want from your Junior/Youth Club Parents -This is a follow on from the Playfair. We would like your comments. Please call in for a chat

Windmill Pool Marathon

T Choose Us First For the Best Quality Take Home Food Available Fried Freshly For You Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Skate, Huss, Scampi, Chips, Various Pies, Sausages and Chicken. Why not try one of our delicious Curries for a change? Have you had one of our big beefburgers? They're Great. Open Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 2pm; 4.30pm - 11pm Car Park 'A' West Swindon Centre TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME - 870455

A hardy group of pool players at Freshbrook Village Centre's Wind-mill Hill pub stayed up for 24 hours on 17/18 January to pot a few shots and raise some cash for the charity Action Research for Multiple Sclerosis. The idea for a pool marathon came from landlady Hilary Danials after a chat with Deputy Mayor of Thamesdown Jim Cordon who supports the charity. Around twenty players spent some time on the pool tables, but only 8 stuck it out for 24 hours. Around ÂŁ350 was raised for ARMS.

Bob Pixton and a suspect camera

Credit Union looks for more members Freshbrook Credit Union (a savings and loans club) has now been operating for six months. During that time we have amassed a considerable amount of savings and we have helped members of our community with loans. However we could always use more members. Savings can be paid in at Freshbrook Community Centre any day between 9.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. Loans are at an interest rate of 1% per month (12.68% apr) and you cannot get a better rate anywhere. You can also arrange to make your payments by standing order. To become a member you have to live in Freshbrook or Grange Park, just pop into the Community Centre cafe any Tuesday between 3.00p.m. and 4.00p.m. we will give you an application form and tell you more about our savings and loans. If you can't come at that time telephone Kingsley Matthews on 874511 and he will make arrangements to see you. Marathon players, from left to right front, Rachel Churchill, Robert Farmer, Denis McDermott, Craig Brett, Karen Bailey, Debbie Spencer and Hilary Danials. Behine, Dawn Haydon, Cohn Humby, Chris Bartlett, Paul Ratcliffe

WESTLEA Dancing to drums Thirty youngsters from Westlea School had the time of their lives in midJanuary practicising and performing with the Kokuma Arts group at the Wyvern Theatre. For a whole week the school hail pulsated with Afro-Caribbean rhythms as each class had a chance to dance to the drums of Richard Clarke with dance instruction from Donna Old field of Kokuma Arts. One class of second year juniors spent two hours a day for a week practising a dance that was performed with the 10 members of Kokuma Arts at the Wyvern on 19 and 20 January. Below: Four nine year old boys who took part describe their dance week. Kokuma Report News Report by John Scrase by Jonathon Daniels (9)

It all started when MrHazzard told the class we have been chosen to perform at the Wyvern Theatre to do an Afro-Caribbean dance performance on Saturday 20 January. So we have to take up dance lessons! We start this week. 1st day of lessons We learnt a dance from Jackie, Guy, Donna, Carl and Richard. It was hard at first but it got better. 2nd day. We did warmups with Donna and after we did the dance. It was better than before. 3rd day. We are doing a Juba dance too. It's hard! The Day is coming soon! Saturday (The Big Day!) Weallmetin thefoyerat3.00p.m. We sat down in the theatre and then had a dress rehearsal. We went down to the changing rooms and kept rehearsing until it was good enough. We had tea in the Town Hall and then went back to do the performance. We were all nervous but it went well and it was brilliant fun! The Kokuma Dance by Justin Lowtoo

It was fun learning a different kind of dance. We were working 2 hours a day. Jackie was the leader of Kokuma. Donna was the dancer and Richard was the drummer. The first dance was called 'Juba'. The second one was 'Vibrations'. At last the day came. We were all nervous. We went on stage and we did well! When it was over we went home with our mums and dads all worn out! Kokuma Dance by Michael Spotswood

Mr Hazzard's class at Westlea School were chosen to do an AfroCaribbean dance on Saturday 20 January at the Wyvern Theatre. Four people helped us to to the dance, Donna, Jackie, Carl and Richard. It was good fun, and it was unusual in a way because I haven't seen this type of dance before. We did warm-ups before we began the dance. We practised for two hours each day. It was tiring after a couple of days but it was really good. It took us a long time to get it right!

Performers and teachers. Donna Oldfield, rear left, Richard Clarke centre.

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Another community building is set George Community Room on the to arrive in Westlea later this year. Westlea School site. The room is House developers McLean too small for local groups and a Homes donated ÂŁ30,000 to Thames- mobile building will provide the down Council as part of a deal to most space for the money available. Councilofficers have justwritten build houses next to the Delta Tennis Centre. The Council agreed to Wiltshire County Council in September 1989 to put up a requesting permission to erect the mobile building next the Ann and building on the school site. Westlea Community Room - inadequate for local group needs

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It was fun waiting for the start of the dance. We were sitting in the changing rooms listening for the speaker. It said 15 minutes to go until the dance. We walked on and we did the dance.

More community space planned

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SHAW Sh.i: W.:RSidéñtS Association

Post Office accused of being short-sighted and uncaring

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the grounds that they did not see a need for one. Over two years later, nearly 2,000 more homes have been occupied inShawandSparcells and the 50 flats in Shaw's elderly persons group dwelling have been occupied. "What more does it need to persuade them there is a 'need?' The All residents of Shaw are walk over Shaw Ridge to the West invited to attend and Swindon Centre is a hard one and raise any problems which the queues when you get to Marthe Association should tin's can be enormous. "It seems they're more interested take upon behalf of the in making money and not providpeople of Shaw. ing a community service. It's uncaring to those who need and would use a local post office." Pat Jones from Post Office Public Relations confirmed that there were no plans to put a sub post office in the JCR store despite the growth of / the area. "We are aware that eld/ erly people have moved into Shaw and more houses have been built. "We keep in close contact with Opening Hours house developers and the local authority and keep the situation Mon, Tue, Wed. 8am - 6pm under review." Thurs, Fri. 9am - 7pm A spokeswoman from Thamesdown Council said there had been Sat. 8.30am - I .3Opm a constant exchange of letters on Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 874825 the subject of a post office from the start of planning Shaw Village ,) also 41 High St., Wootton Bassett. Tel: 853282 Centre, some five years ago. The Manager of JCR said the company had been trying to perCUT OUT MONEY SAVING VOUCHER suade the Post Office to open a sub branch in Shaw ever since they had been chosen to run the shop.

Next Meeting 5 February 7.45p.m. in the meeting room, new Show Church at the Village Centre.

A part of the Post Office is been accused by a community leader of being more interested in profits than providing an effective service. The continued refusal of Post Office Counters Ltd. to provide a sub-post office in the JCR store at Shaw Village Centre well over two year after it opened has been criticised by Mary Case, chair of the Shaw Residents' Association. 'Their attitude is amazing. The Association organised a petition in 1987 and wrote asking them to provide a post office. They refused on

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Kindergarten down on the farm

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Shaw W.I. Press Officer Debbie Griffiths reports on the WI's last meeting

At this month's meeting we had a Mr Smith from Haine & Smith Opticians who spoke on "Everyone Needs Spectacles Eventually". It opened our eyes (I couldn't resist that) to the fact that most of us will need glasses by the time we are 40, all of us by around 50 years old. I'd better start saving if I need bifocal, photocromatic, varifocal, highindex, anti reflection, coatings or contact lenses! We had a good response to our Dame Edna Everage Glasses competition. Shows we're all children at heart. The entries were worth seeing. Well done everyone. Our next meeting is on Monday 19 February at Shaw Church at 7.30p.m. Guests pay 50p entry. It's our Annual General Meeting but don't be put off. We're having a quiz on W.I. If you don't know much about W.I. before the meeting, you'll know it all by the end! See you there.

On the hobby horse together: Meg and Holly Redington, Zoe Clarke, Andrew and Daniel Phoenix-Stone

West Swindon's tenth and latest playgroup opened its doors to fifteen three to five year olds in January. The Lower Shaw Farm Kindergarten meets on three mornings a week in a warm, cosy room heated by well protected wood burning stove. According to play supervisor Andrea Hirsch, the name kindergarten was chosen because 'children's garden' fits what the farm provides. "Apart from the usual art and craft work and learning to play together, the children feed the goat and the hens, collect the eggs and soon they'll have a go at milking," she said. "The children have settled down quickly. Because it's a small group they get a lot of individual attention." Unfortunately, all the places at the kindergarten are booked for the next twelve months although afternoon sessions may start if a supervisor can be found.

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Have you received, or are you to expecting to receive, a letter informing you of an increase in your monthly mortgage payments? If so, you are not alone. Thousands of people are having to pay an increased amount to their mortgage lenders due to the once-yearly change in payment levels, taking the interest rate increases in 1989 into account. We can help you with free advice and quotations regarding our major link-up with one of the four largest Building Societies in the U.K. They operate a low-start scheme for mortgages and remortgages where, via ourselves, the income multiples are higher than normal.

THIS IS NOT A DEFERRED INTEREST 'ROLL-U? SCHEME WHERE YOU END UP OWING MORE MONEY THAN YOU STARTED WITH! With this Building Society loan you could use your equity to subsidise your payments in the early years. Using £5,000 of your equity you would be able to save £229 per month in the first year, e.g. on a mortgage of £45,000 at 14.5% (variable rate), you could reduce your monthly payment to £284.37 (interest only), a saving of £169 per month. This could take away any financial worries enabling you to look forward to a more stable way of life. There are no hidden clauses and you may like to find out how much you could save. If so, please ring either of the numbers below.

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Religion is rarely out of the headlines these days. Moslems against Christians in Azerbaijan or Lebanon, Catholics against Protestants in Northern Ireland, Salmon Rushdie, the ordination of women -the list is endless. The overall impression is one of conflict - not just between peoples of different faiths but even among followers who are supposed to be worshipping the same God. In West Swindon the mainstream Churches agreed even before the first houses were built that they would work together closely in the new urban villages. The Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards was formed and two inter-denominational churches have been built, at Shaw and at Toothill. Among the full time staff of the parish are two women - Helen Drummond, a United Reformed Church Minister and Anne Thomas, an Anglican Deacon. I asked them what had made them train for the ministry in the first place. When Helen was in her teens she was strongly influenced by a gifted preacher at her local church and she found her faith became interesting and dynamic. "I took

Women with a vocation Elizabeth Wood meets Anne Thomas and Helen Drummond a theology degree and later worked as a secretary in an Anglican Church. I watched ministers at work and thought "1 can do that". Helen was already married and completed her training while pregnant. She finished her college course on a Saturday and gave birth the following Wednesday. "If you are called to the ministry you are called. I don't regard myself as being in a special category of humanity." Anne, was pursuing a career as a senior teacher of modern languages in a large school. "It sounds silly but I was doing the washing-up one day when I heard a voice say 'I want you to be a deaconess.' I didn't even know what a deaconess was but I went and talked to my vicar and I began training 15 months later. I trained for three years at the Canterbury School of Ministry and was ordained as a deacon in 1983." Anne explained that Deacon is the first order of ministry in the Anglican Church. She has the title Reverend and can carry out most of the functions of a priest -

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Anne Thomas and Helen Drummond

including marrying, christening and burial, but as a woman she is unable to be ordained as a priest and therefore cannot celebrate communion. Anglican, Methodists, Baptists and URC members working and worshipping together seem to be achieving the kind of unity that is unthinkable in other places, but at the same time it highlights the differences in thinking among Christians particularly regarding the ordination of women. It is significant that both the Roman

Catholics and the independent evangelicals have established separate churches within the area, and even within the United Churches there can be difficulties. "The Anglicans regard me as a minister, not as a priest." Helen says. "In the early days one woman steered clear of me because she wasn't sure of the idea of a woman acting as a priest. On the other hand there are women in the congregation who value taking communion from a woman." For Anne her work holds both satisfaction and frustration. "I was the first Anglican woman in the south west to celebrate a marriage and I do enjoy marrying people. But I experience increasing frustration because my ministry lacks wholeness. It is so painful to be arbitrarily cut off from one area." But Anne feels that the work of a parish like West Swindon is of great value. "The more the male clergy and our congregation can experience women in ministry, the more likely the ordination of women to the priesthood becomes. "I am not militant. I try to make my statement through the work I do."

Under 5's Festival depends on more help Plans are being made to hold the third annual Under 5's Festival in June, but it may never happen unless more people come forward to lend a hand. At the January meeting of the West Swindon Under 5's Forum, the twelve people attending agreed another festival would be a good idea. But concern was expressed that the previous successes could not be repeated unless more parents took on some responsibility for organising the different events. The Forum brings parents and others working with pre-school children together to discuss issues and problems related totheirneeds. It also organises play workshops for children and their parents and the June festival. "The forum is for anybody involved with under 5's," says secretary Sheila Boswell. "The group is not very formal and organising events like the Teddy Bears Picnic and the fun day at Upper Shaw Farm is not very strenuous. Its been done before so we can draw on past experience. "This summer's festival depends on just a few more parents coming forward to help out. It's a good way of meeting other people."

The next meeting of the Under 5's Forum takes place on Monday 12

February, 7.30p.m. in the Community Suite, Link Centre. Charlotte Riggs from Thamesdown Council's Landscape Department will be discussing the new play and recreation area that is being planned for Shaw Ridge. See page 22 for more information about an exhibition of the plans. Anybody involved with pre-school children is invited to attend.

Under 5s Quiz League 'The Gauntlet Is thrown' "We the children of Oliver Tomkins Under Fives, say that our parentsl committee/staff are more intelligent, know more about playgroups and more nursery rhymes than the parents! committee/staff of any other group. And we are prepared to back out boast by producing a winning team for the Under Fives Quiz League. That is, unless you can prove us wrong!

The idea for a Quiz League aimed at people involved with under fives has been keenly received in West Swindon and plans are being made to launch it. The Link is sponsoring a shield. All pre-school groups wanting to enter should ring Martha Parry on 871212.

FOR WOMEN New magazine A new free magazine titled 'The Working Woman'aimed at women in Wiltshire and Avon has been published. Copies are available from the Community Suite and the Arts Studio in the Link Centre. Joint publisher Rosa Matheson says that the new magazine looks at the women in the work place in a topical blend of serious and amusing articles. The Working Women will not be a heavy read. It'll contain information relevant to women at work and those who might be thinking about returning. There will be regular features called 'Me and My Car', Women in a man's world', an update on women taking up interesting jobs and articles on eating out and cultural events." The Working Women will also feature articles from guest writers, a regular day in the life column and an 'ask the experts' section. Initially it will be published every other month and hopes to become a monthly in the future.

PAUSE The new daytime womens social group meets from 10a.m. to 12 noon on the second and third Friday of the month, not on a Monday as given in the last edition of The Link. PAUSE aims to give women a break during the daytime and is looking for new members from all parts of West Swindon. It's a friendly group which welcomes new members who want to make new friends and broaden their horizons. There's a small charge for refreshments and hall hire whilst childcare is provided free. The group has recently moved to a new venue and now meets in Toothill Community Centre. The forthcoming programme of meetings are: 9 Feb - Another introductory coffee morning 23 Feb - Talk by Ann Aylard on Child Development (bed wettIng, toilet training, behavioural problems, sleeping, etc.) 9 March - Informal chat

Wedding plans made easy Planning a wedding can all too easily turn into a nightmare but a Swindon company, Wedding Belles, aims to make at least part of the process pleasurable. Wedding Belles has a large selection of wedding dresses for sale or hire that can be altered for a perfect fit. There is also a massive selection of bridesmaid dresses in every colour of the rainbow and a choice of fabrics, as well as a range of accessories. Wedding Belles was started over two years ago by motherand-daughter team Pam and Helen. The aim is to provide a very personal, individual service to prospective brides. To complement a choice of veils, Helen makes individual headresses with intricate beading and silk flowers. Pam makes bouquets, posies and flower baskets for the bride and her attendants. Wedding Belles can also supply hand made silk buttonholes and

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Unveiled: 'How The Mighty Fall' West Swindon's fourth public sculpture was unveiled on 20 January by the Mayor of Thamesdown, Coun. Ken Savage accompanied by three Roman soldiers from the Ermin Street Guard. CouncilorTony Mayer, Chair of Thamesdown's Arts and Rec-

reation Committee, in inviting the Mayor to unveil the new work by sculptor Tim Sandys-Renton, said that he hoped that the new work would enhance the landscape of West Swindon. The new sculpture, consisting of a half buried wing between two cast iron wheels is to be found on

Shaw Ridge, above the houses of Ramleaze. The wing has imprinted on it the image of a human whilst large footprints are fashioned on the top of each wheels. Sculptor Tim Sandys-Renton says his work 'How The Mighty Fall', draws together themes of West Swindon's history of Roman

The Mayor tries his hand on the new sculpture, accompanied by Coun Tony Mayer, left, and sculptor Tim Sandys-Renton

settlement, its archaeology, and more recent industrial and hightech images. 'The sculpture gives the impression that the man could fly and travel the earth at will; in fact he was rooted to the spot, able to move less freely even than he could before, a symbol of technological impotence." Referring to the inevitable criticism that will be levelled at his work, Tim said that most of the people he met whilst installing his work on site made positive comments. 'There were some negative reactions, but I was most surprised that nobody knew of the area's Roman history. "If there wasn't some controversy about the work it wouldn't have meaning. Unless a piece of art stimulates discussion and argument, its value for me is reduced. My sculpture is not something to walk by; I hope it challenges you and gets you thinking." The sculpture was funded by the Southern Arts Association and the Borough of Thamesdown.

Kirsten passes with merit

WYVERN THEATRE SWINDON

Monday 5th -Wednesday 7th March 7.30p.m. Matinee Wednesday 2.00p.m.

THE ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET (Formerly LFB) presents An evening of exhilarating dancing, dazzling virtuousity and dramatic power to celebrate their first small scale tour under their new name. Programme:

Paul Taylor's Aureole Peter Schaufuss' Flower Festival at Genzano Christopher Bruce's Swansong Jose Limons The Moor's Pavane

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A young clarinet player at Greendown School has shown exceptional ability for her age. Kirsten Ireland, 13, from Julia na Close, Middleleaze took her Grade 6 Royal College of Music clarinet exam before Christmas and passed with a merit grade. Grade 8 is the highest level of exam in the world of the clarinet and this is not normally be taken until after a player is at least eighteen. Kirsten started playing the clarinet three years ago at Shaw Ridge Primary School. She now receives music lessons from a visiting music teacher and is a member of the Swindon Young Musicians Intermediate Wind Band. She said she practices everyday without fail but, for the present, does not see her future taking her to music college. Pictured left: Greendown headteacher Ian Matthews presents Kirsten with her Grade 8 certificate Jack and the Bean Stalk Puppet Show on Tuesday 20 February at 230p.m. in The Link Arts Studio. After the show you will have the opportunity to sign up for a

* FREE * Puppet Workshop The aim of the workshop is to make puppets, scenery'and props and produce a show. It is for 6- 11 year olds and will run on Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 February 1 0.00a.m 3.00p.m. and Friday 23 February 1O.00a.m-12.O0 noon in the Link Arts Studios. Bring a packed lunch. Book Your Space after the Show Places limited to 15 children For more information phone the Octobus Project on 728862

: ° 3 @ m ~Dla Dance Residency

Aids and Youth

The jiving Linda Hoppers, a fabulous young dance company who are superb exponents of the jittebug, swing, tap, Charleston and Lindy Hop dance styles, will be spending the month based at Link Arts, creating a performance which will be premiered on I March. Special events include a Dance Day on Sunday II February with starter classes in the above styles. There will also be a screening of the film Tap (PC) on Thursday 8 February at 7.30p.m.

Y Touring present The Inner Circle, a powerful play dealing with the realities of friendship, loyalty and loss experienced by three teenagers who find out that their friend Mark is HIV positive on Friday 9 February at 7.00p.m. Tickets £1.80.

Tuesday Night Live! Alternative Comedy Comes to Link Arts

Brian Kennedy RCA's New Signing

23 year old singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy returns to Link Arts to promote his debut RCA single 'Captured'. This talented artist is touring with a full backing band and is a hot tip for stardom this year. Don't miss him! Saturday 10 February 8.30p.m. £4/3.

Li'

Guitar Tuition

New comedy hits Swindon on Tuesday 13 February in the first of our monthly 'alternative' evenings. Jo Brand (The funniest women in Britain pictured below right), Noel James and Paul Ramone are the stand-up comics on the first bill. Doors open at 8.00p.m. Tickets

1 to 1 Tuition by Professional Guitar Tutor Beginners to Diploma Standard

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Other Events

Contact Bernard Tanner The Shaftesbury Centre Percy Street, (off Rodhourne Road)

include 'Rock Gigs on Saturday 3 & Friday 16 February, 'Children's Puppet Shows on Saturday 17 and Tuesday 20 February and .Jazz from the Ralph Dorrell Quartet on Friday 23 February. Further details and tickets for all events are available from Link Centre Reception, tel 871212.

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CARTER, GOVIER, READ SOLICITORS

First Writers Conference set for March The first Thamesdown Writers' Conference is being held all day on Saturday 24 March in Link Arts. There are limited places and bookings must be received by Monday 5 March. The cost is £15 (12.50 concessions) and includes morning coffee, quality buffet lunch and afternoon tea. Speakers will include Phyllis Dermaine, (magazine writer and novelist), Mike Andrews and Shirley Matthias (editorial staff with the Evening Advertiser), Mary Stannard (Senior Editor for Mills and Boon Ltd) and Donald Norfolk (literary marketing specialist and author). The day will be chaired by Margaret Bacon (local writer and broadcaster). The conference is aimed at people interested or active in writing for pleasure or with ambitions to publish, and gives them the opportunityto meet likeminds and learn from successful professionals. Further details from Link Arts.

Artswork for 14 to 19 year olds Artswork is a charity set up to encourage new initiatives and opportunities in the arts for young people (14-19 year olds). It is funded by British Telecom and TVS and many events are being organised across the whole of the south of England for the summer of 1990. There is still more money left in Wiltshire's budget so if any local youth group or youth leader, teacher or artist would like to submit a project please contact Mel Jones at Link Arts as soon as

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possible. Link Arts is in fact hosting the official launch of Wiltshire's Artswork on 15 February at 7.30p.m. when there will be an opportunity to get a flavour of the projects already up and running in the County and for participants to enjoy a wide range of artforms of interest to modern youth.

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14 Half Term at Link Centre

RECREATION Junior Trampolinists

Promotions Officer Anya Kent has a few ideas for ha if-term

Lincoln says: 'Hurrah it's Half Term' The holidays are here again and we have both courses and fun activities for you to take part in. Come along to Lincoln's Camp, 19-23 February, and you may find yourself swimming, skating, trampolining, playing team games, watching videos and doing arts and crafts. Join us for one day or five and our qualified Activity Staff will keep you occupied from 930a.m. - 330p.m. each day. Bookings for half term camp and courses will be taken from Monday 5 February between 10a.m. and 10p.m. each day.

Aqua Hit

A new fitness class at the Link Centre is proving very successful. The Monday lunchtime Aqua Fit class has been attracting over 25 people who want to tone-up their A student at Greendown muscles, improve their strength Community School recently took and stamina whilst supported by the first steps to becoming a Stay 'n' Skate water. During half term we are offering professional footballer. a week long course taken by our Half Term Tennis Courses at Richard moved with his family highly qualified professional Delta Tennis Centre to Grange Park over three years team of ice coaches. Our planned During the half term holidays join ago and has been keeping goal Skating Programme caters for us at the Delta Tennis Centre for for Swindon Robins junior beginners and experienced one of our many exciting tennis football team where his promise skaters and is ideal for those of courses. Whether you are a skilled started to show. After trials with you who wish to start or improve junior player or a complete first division club Norwich City, your skating. beginner you will find a course he and his father decided to sign The course involves one hour's that suits you best. The courses schoolboy associate forms with tuition per day plus entry to our available include: fourth division Cambridge 1000a.m. - 1200p.m. skating *Short Tennis United. session. Courses begin at both 'Junior Tennis for Beginners "1 was really impressed with 1000a.m. and 1100a.m. so take 'Junior Tennis for Improvers the Cambridge set-up," said For further details contact Delta Richard. "They're friendly and your choice. For further details on our half main reception. Tel: 871111 they look after you." term holiday activities please Bookings will be taken at the Richard's father Rick said he contact Link Main Reception. Tel: Delta Centre from Monday 5 was very proud of Richards February 10.00a.m. onwards. 871212. achievement. "He had three days of tough trials with several other hopefuls and he came out on top. Elizabeth Donovan CIBTAC (Dip.), BABTAC, IFA He's done very well." Richard will travel to Cambridge to train and play

Goal for Richard

A new group for 5 to 11 year olds who want to have a go at trampolining starts on 13 February at Greendown Community School. The course run by Steve O'Sullivan, Director of Recreation at Greendown, will take place on Tuesday between 4p.m. and 5p.m. and costs ÂŁ10 for a lOweek course. Payment can be made in one lump sum or weekly in advance. Places are limited to 20. To reserve a space and pay first weeks course fee, write to or drop in to the Greendown

School Office, Grange Park Way.

during school holidays until the end of his fifth year in 1991 when he will join the club full time. Richard Kennedy going up to Cambridge

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Moves Fitness for all Liz Donovan from Toothill runs Moves Fitness in several venues around West Swindon. She says the aerobic dance exercise programmes are suitable for people of any age and any fitness level. The groups are also I a good way to make friends. From the photo below, they all seem happy. Liz is in the middle.

EDUCATION MATTERS

Every child is special With the launch of raffle by a local insurance broker Mansfield Begbie Associates to raise £1,500 to buy more equipment for children with special' needs and disabilities at Westlea School, headteacher Neil Griffiths and Chris Morey, teacher responsible for Special Needs, describe how every effort is made to treat children with learning difficulties as no different from any others.

At Westlea School we have what is called a 'Unit' which accommodates children with learning difficulties. The name 'Unit' somehow suggests that the children are different and need to be separated from the main body of the school and taught in isolation. This could not be further from the truth and indeed the word unit is never mentioned. We prefer to acknowledge that we have thirteen children who find some areas of learning difficult to handle and need particular support to help them overcome their problems. In order to meet these needs, the Local Education Authority provide additional funding and resources so that an extra teacher and moreindividual attention can be given to these children.

individuals, all very different and all with their own needs. Indeed, research shows that one in five children may have a special need at some time in their education. This may be caused by a whole variety of disruptions in their lives, perhaps bereavement, emotional disturbances, moving house, loss of a friend, etc. Therefore, our philosophy at Westlea is based first and foremost upon the belief that all children are equally important, and everyone is talented at something. We aim to bring out the best in everyone, build on strengths, constantly encourage and provide a well balanced, well thought out and adapted curriculum through which each child can develop to the full.

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Help raise £1,500 for specialized equipment for children with Special Needs from all over West Swindon who attend Westlea School Early Learning Centre vouchers worth £250 to be won. First prize £1 50. Special prize to the community group that sells most tickets.

If you can help sell some raffle tickets contact Neil Griffiths at Westlea School, Langstone Way. Tel: 870469 Mike Rees of Mansfield Begbie Associates on 873369 or Roger Ogle, The Link Magazine on 872282. .pm1d*UI

WWA Idcd £ .9 /o iqce. 4&*fICd

Everybody joins in with PE. Leo Simpkins throws the ball to Bobby Nottage whilst Clare Amor and Stephanie Lake play short tennis in the background

Welfare Assistant Mrs Moira Callas works with all children within the ordinary classroom. Here she conducts a spelling test, with from the left, Daniel Lewis, Lewis Garrett, Leo Simpkins and Gary Smith

We also accommodate two children who are heavily dependent upon wheelchairs, one with 'brittle bones' the other with spina bifida. Support is given to these children through a marvellous Special Needs teacher, Chris Morey and five wonderful Welfare Assistants, Pam Woollard, Jan Trevascus, Pauline Botwright, Marilyn Harrison, and Moira Calas. The term Special Needs is commonly used when describing such children but we feel that every child in the world is "Special". They are all

With such beliefs, it would be impossible for any child to be 'hived off' and isolated. From the very outset six years ago when Westlea opened, it was decided that all children would be fully integrated with each other. Therefore our thirteen children who have particular learning difficulties and our children in wheelchairs work alongside their friends in a main stream classroom. They are not 'different' in any way, children are children and they have access to the full range of educational opportunities open to their peers. However, neither

do we simply 'dump' them there and leave them, as we do recognise that their needs must be met. The whole structure of their integration is very carefully and thoughtfully run, planned and supported. The teacher responsible for special needs and Welfare Assistants work closely with each class teacher, offering support most useful for the particular child concerned. Sometimes the child may need quiet help on a one-to-one basis and for this purpose they may work outside the classroom. But withdrawal is reduced to a minimum and a child is never excluded from any activity as this can have a very damaging effect upon a child's self-esteem. At Westlea it is our aim to build strong, healthy self-images which make every child feel valued and valuable and then in turn enable them to reach their full potential. The staff work sensitively and caringly with strong emphasis placed on social skills. By working alongside their peers children with particular

learning difficulties are provided with a good role model and gain in confidence. They feel they are being fairly treated and equally appreciated. Similarly, their fellow peers also learn tolerance, patience and understanding in accepting that children learn at different rates and not everyone is good at everything. Indeed only recently I myself realised that the mechanic who repaired my car was far more talented than I was, despite my '0' levels and 'A' levels and a degree. The only particular talent I had was the ability to cram facts into my head for a short time and regurgitate them at the appropriate moment. It is hoped that the children at Westlea will learn this lesson far quicker than I did! Undoubtedly the integration of pupils with learning and physical difficulties has been greatly beneficial to all concerned. We have all become more caring and sensitive to each others problems and needs and we aim to ensure that any disability any of us has, does not become a handicap.

16 The time is 06.00, it's a dark wet windy morning as I struggle from my warm bed, and cycle the 3.5 miles to work My crew member for today is Phil who has also cycled the same distance fromFreshbrook. We have both been in the ambulance service for about 12 years now, and have both qualified in gaining paramedic status. Our first job of the shift is to check the vehicle that we will be using, Phil is the driver today and Iwifibein thebackoftheambulance looking after the patients. The time is 07.25 and the first call is to a road traffic accident involving two cars on the A419 road at the bottom of Blunsdon Hill. Two cars have collided and there is a report of a patient being trapped. We arrive at the scene to find the whole carraigeway leading towards Cricidade is blocked by cars and debris. The driver of one of the cars is trapped by his legs; he is an a lot of pain and looking shocked. After our initial examination we decide to help lessen the pain by giving a special gas that we carry. This works quite well. We decide to set up an intravenous drip on this patient and continue to monitor his condition regularly. He uses the gas while the fire service help us to cut him free from the wreckage. Once released we transfer him onto a stretcher and splint his legs so as

DAY IN THE LIFE Casualty has nothing on this Ambulance personnel are in the news a lot at the moment. Some people think they are just drivers or even providers of 'a taxi service for the elderly', but as qualifiedparamedic Jamie Smith from Westlea writes, there's a lot more to the job than meets the eye (or the television screen).

not to cause anymore injury. It appears that his right upper leg is broken and he has a laceration to his left lower leg. After a gently but progressive journey to the hospital we hand the patient over to the casualty staff. We clean up our vehicle, replenish the equipment used and make our way back to the station. Our second call of the shift is to an old peoples home to a lady who

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has fallen out of bed, and broken her arm. When we arrive we are greeted by the warden in charge who leads us up a flight of stairs to where the lady is lying. She is 90 years old, frail and almost deaf. She has been in the home for some time now and is thought of as one of the family. All the staff are rallying around trying to look after her. Her left wrist appears to be at an abnormal angle. This is quite hard to examine as she is also arthritic, and both her wrists are abnormal in shape. We treat her very gently trying not to cause her any more pain, and try to reassure her that all will be alright. She says "1 don't want to go to hospital" while trying to move her arm. With some more gentle persuasion we are able to put her into the ambulance and convey her to casualty, with a nurse escort to comfort the lady. Once again we making tracks back towards the station for what we hope is a well earned cup of tea and a bite to eat. The time is 10.00 and we are getting quite thirsty. As we park up the next crew are responding to a collapse in Sainsburys - a possible epileptic patient the caller said. This leaves us behind and the next crew to go out, so we quickly enjoy our cuppa sittingaround the table and chatting about the ambulance dispute. We all agree that 20 weeks of dispute is a longtime, and that we would like to see an end to it and getbackto working normally. From the news it is quite clear that the Government will not budge on its offer of 6.5% or 9% over eighteen months. People are really starting to feel the purse strings tighten due to the lack of overtime. Quite often you might get one or two extra days in a month which helps to pay

the bills. The amount of people who gave so generously to the hardship fund in the Brunel and said "Keep on fighting you're worth every penny" was so overwhelrning we've got to fight on. Even over Christmas people were coming to the station to bring gifts of sweets, money and drink. The next call is to a block of flats in the northern district of Swindon to a male collapse who we think has stopped breathing. My colleagues in anothercrew respond veryquickly as time is crucial. They weave their way through the dinner time traffic to the scene to be greeted by a frantic wife saying "I think he's gone" They travel up in the lift to the top floor to find a man in the bedroom slumped beside the bed. He is face down and looks rather blue in colour. Their assessment confirms that the man is possibly dead but they start to try and resuscitate him. The crew turn him onto his back and the attendant ventilates him with a special self inflating bag and mask that he puts over the patient's face. The other crew member connects him to the cardiac monitor to see if there is any heart rhythm. The patient is in a rhythm that needs to be given a shock with the defibrillator but they are unable to as they are not trained yet. So they ask for a paramedic crew to assist. The call comes from control on the direct line in the rest room for us to attend the incident. On our arrival we re-assess the patient and give him two shocks which are unsuccessful. We try again with a third shock setatthe highest energy level. A bleep sound on the E.C.G. screen, a co-ordinated heart rhythm also appears. We check for a pulse on his neck, yes we have a pulse, I say "Good, carry on ventilating for a while". A moment later the patient tries to breathe for himself and skin colour is improvingall the time. We wait a while before we move him as any slight movement can cause him to arrest again. Eventually we load him into the ambulance and administer oxygen therapy and re-connect him to the monitor for continued assessment on the route to hospital. He remains stable, we ask control to inform casualty of our patient's condition and E.T.A. They arrange to receive him in the special resuscitation room which we are glad to see. We, as two ambulance crews have been able to achieve the ultimate goal, that is to save a life and it makes us feel really good. We ponder over the days work while we travel back to the station to end our shift and after cleaning our vehicle and filling in the work sheet, we cycle our way home. The sun has come out now.

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AT YOUR LIBRARY

This month I should like to introduce the library's new assistant librarian Jacquelyn Else. Jacquelyn originally joined the team last July on a temporary basis for four months, but with her new permanent status I thought you might like to know a little about the new face behind the enquiry desk. It's not a conspiracy, but I have to confess that Jacquelyn is also a 'Lancashire lass' born in Golbourne near Warrington but moving to Ashton in Makerfield near Wigan at a very early age. Jacquelyn did not decide on a career in librarianship until she reached sixth form college when a computer aided search matched her skills and interests against possible career options and came up with libraries! She was looking for a people related occupation and was keen on the information side of things. She is committed to helping people to find out what their rights are, what they are entitled to and who best can help and advise them. It's not just information though, as I discovered Jacquelyn had acquired literally hundereds of books over her childhood and teen years - a secret librarian lurking all along! Her favourite books tend to be children's novels, poetry and plays. Jacquelyn attended Aberystwyth College of Librarianship in Wales taking, not surprisingly children's librarianship and health and welfare as her special options. Her degree was combined with history and she tells me that she hated anything to do with computers and classifying books, but loved the management side of things. Three years at college resulted in a degree: Bachelor of Librarianship (joint Honours with History). Chance brought Jacquelyn to Swindon. The Swindon Bible Society were advertising for an information records assistant in July 1988. This was only a one

5. Eddings, David: Sorceress of Darshiva The fourth book of the 'Mallorean' in which Garion and his companions continue their desperate search for Zandramas the Child of Dark - I'm sure followers of Mr Eddings will understand what this is all about!

Introducing Jacquelyn Librarian Linda Black introduces her new assistant year temporary contract, but by the end of the year Jacquelyn had made lots of friends in Swindon and wanted to stay in the area. She took the temporary post at West Swindon and was so successful in her achievements with us was offered the job on a permanent basis last November. The post carries extensive responsibilities for the urban mobile, the community information and for children's work at West Swindon, not to mention managing the place when I'm not around -no mean feat! Jacquelyn has lots of plans for developing our information provision - so look out for some changes there! Her comments on the local community are very positive. She loves the variety the customers bring to her work and enjoys attempting to meet the demands made on her. Jacquelyn likes the way in which people use the library as a focal point in the community. Their enquiring minds enable her to put her professional skills to the test every day! Quote "I feel that they really appreciate the help you give to them". Jacquelyn intends to spend a while longer in Swindon to develop her work and to get to know people better. Developing her management skills is especially important. No secrets to reveal that in a little while her real ambition is to work and travel at the same time - perhaps a librarian and then again perhaps not!

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Jacquelyn, already a familiar face to library visitors The Library's Top Ten Books for February 1. Anthony, Evelyn: The Scarlet Thread Set at the end of World War II, an English nurse falls in love and marries an American Captain. Their joy is short lived when she is killed during a bombing incident in Cicily - or is she? Glamorous and powerful Captain marries again whilst English nurse is found to be alive and living in England - the wartime love story has hardly begun! Harmless, romantic escapism!

6. James, P.D.: Devices and Desires Sorry, massively long waiting lists for this one! Commander Dalgleish of Scotland Yard tackles another psychopathic murder case - as you would expect lots of tangled emotions are exposed as Dalgleish examines the motives of the suspects. 7. Keillor, Garrison: We are still married By the author of the legendary 'Late Wobegon Days' - this new selection of tales explores a range of typical Keillor themes, love lost and found, comments on society and the media, letters on marriage, together with reflections on cigarette smoking, the perils of nearsightedness, not to mention how to write a letter if you're a shy person. Strictly for the literary! 8. King, Stephen: The Dark Half A horror tale with a gruesome literary twist! Hero writer Thad Beaumont creates a pseudonym under which he can write violent thrillers. The pseudonym takes on a life of his own and Thad finds it difficult to kill off his 'other self' - an orgy of violence only for those with a strong stomach!

2. Asimov, Isaac: Nemisis More intergalactic thrills and excitement! A futuristic 'Noah's Ark' story with the planet Nemesis acting heroine as the Goddess of Divine Retribution. Will she exact vengeance on degenerate mankind? I'm sure Asimov devotees will want to find 9. Ludlam, Robert: Trevayne out! Very much a 'Watergate' conspiracy - lust for power, 3. Benchley, Peter: Lush Written in the tradition of 'One corruption, billionaires and Mafia flew overthe Cuckoos Nest'. Scott leaders are all caught up in this Preston, alcoholic, is admitted to action packed thriller. a clinic rehabilitation centre where he has to cope with a 10. Pincher, Chapman: veritable of loonies suffering from Contamination a range of phobias and psychiatric Chapman Pincher, the famous illnesses. It is these very inmates real life espionage writer uses his who break down Scott's skills to write a state of the art arrogance, until he comes to see thriller about the Intelligence War that you get better only with the as it is being fought in today's help and support of others. Comic world. A chance discovery threatens to deactivate all modern as well as sad! defence systems, computers and 4. Davis, Margaret Thomson: communications - conspiracies and bloodshed all the way! Wounds of War - a novel of society on the move! Three women and their families, living in Glasgow in the early Local author's sixties, swept along on the tide of work available social change. With ban the bomb marches on the streets, claims Ann Curd, from Freshbrook, from the past threaten theirhopes would like readers to know her of personal happiness -a novel to first book 'Night of The Devil' is now available from the library. tug on the old heart strings!

ANIMAL MATTERS Starting an occasional series of articles on the care of pets, Liz Haynes from Shaw Veterinary Clinic writes on

Your New Puppy and Your Children I am delighted to see families bringing their puppies to Shaw Veterinary Centre forvaccination. Ownership of a dog can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children alike. Clients often ask me if their puppy will be safe with their baby or toddler but there is no need to worry as there are very few infections that can be passed from your puppy to your child and the risk is negligible provided simple rules of hygiene are followed. The disease that does cause both veterinary surgeons and doctors some concern is toxocariasis. This is caused by the larval stages of the dog

Nearly all puppies are born with roundworms. This is because larvae can become encysted in the body tissues of a bitch where they remain dormant and resistant to worming treatments until she has a litter of puppies. Larvae then pass into the intestines of the unborn puppies and into the the bitch's milk. The breeder may have wormed the puppy at lest once before selling it but the puppy Below: Liz Haynes, ready to advise

roundworm Toxocara canis

which can migrate through human tissues. The disease is very rare there are only about 100-200 cases recorded each year but the symptoms can be quite unpleasant. They include abdominal pain, fever and visual impairment. In some cases there has been permanent damage to the sight of one eye. This is why thorough worming of both puppies and adult dogs is essential. -

may be reinfected from its mother's milk as long as it is sucking and it can also reinfest itself. It is therefore necessary to worm repeatedly. You may not see any worms but eggs which are too small to see may well be present. Remember to follow these simple guidelines. 1. Worm your dog regularly at least every 6 months. Puppies and lactating bitches should be wormed very frequently. 2. Discourage your puppy from licking your child's face. Little hands should be washed after handling a puppy and especially so before eating. 3. Train your dog to pass its faeces well away from childrens' play areas and clean up any faeces from the garden and public places. (The eggs remain viable

in the environment for a very long time). Heavy infestations of roundworms can cause digestive upsets, respiratory problems and retarded growth in puppies but if your puppy is showing any sign of ill health it is better to mention this to your vet when you bring it along for its first check-up. We will be glad to advise you as to which worming course is appropriate as tapeworms can also be present. Do not forget that vaccination is also essential for the continued good health of your pup. If you would like some free leaflets on this subject you can pop into the veterinary surgery or send a stamped addressed envelope to The Pet Health Council, 4Bedford Square, London WCIB 3RA.

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A local playgroup is appealing to dog owners to keep their dogs away from their front door. The Oliver Tomkins Under 5's Centre where the playgroup meets is located on the edge of the Kiln Park open space off Beaumaris Road, Toothill. The grassed front lawn in front of the building is not fenced which means that unsupervised dogs continually make a mess just where children walk. "You can imagine how bad it is when a child brings the muck in on their shoes," said playgroup

supervisorjenny Woodman. "It's a pain having to clean up the floors and the children get distressed because we have to make a fuss about cleaning their shoes. "Some owners are cooperative if we ask them to take their dogs further into the park. Others ignore us and let their animals foul right outsideour front door." And in a bluntly put request, Jenny said, "Please could dog owners who use Kiln Park take a little more care near our playgroup building."

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NEWS & VIEWS Romania collection Share sell-off The 2nd Toothill Brownies organised a collection in January to send flop to Romania. With one weeks notice, the Brownies assembled a pile

of clothes, toys and dried foods which have been taken to James A sell-off of the Windmill Hill Business Park advertised in last Nicholas Removals. The company is acting as a collecting point for donated items. months edition of The Linkturned Further donations can be delivered to James Nicholas, Newcombe out to be something of a flop with only one plot being bought. Drive, Hawksworth Estate (near the Oasis). Tel: 541446. Below: The Brownies and their leaders line up with a week's collection On offer were eight scaled down buildings which formed part of a large scale model used to market the Park during the 1980's to companies thinking of moving to Swindon. Having served its purpose, it was given to Windmill Hill School. However as it the model was too large for use in L school it was offered to readers to buy in bits. Unfortunately, bidders were few and far between and only one model building, that of the Galileo company, was sold. It was bought to be presented to one of the founder members of the company at a leaving party in late January. The models have now been Upper Shaw Farm Parent and Toddler Group donated to Greendown School as would like donations of toys suitable for 0 to they may be of use in the design 5 year olds. The group will buy good quality studies curriculum. 1

toys in good condition and at the right price. Contact Sue Wilmott on 881920.

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Where will you be on Friday 23? The Age Concern Thamesdown Roadshow will be in central Swindon on Friday 23 February with an open invitation to all older people in town to join them! With events in two locations it should be a day full of interest. The Mobile Fire Prevention Unit will be outside Normans and Boots in the shopping centre. It will be showing videos and expert staff will be on hand to give older people advice and information about keeping safe from fire danger. Meanwhile at the Kensington Conference Centre over Woolworths in Regent Street there will be more information displays and advice as well as a full programme of videos; these will include the popular 'Living Loving and Ageing ' video about sexual relationships in older life. At both places there will be lots of information about the service available from Age Concern Thamesdown and free refreshments all day too. For further details, call Age Concern Thamesdown on 692166.

Topping for Freshbrook Church Freshbrook's new church building took a step closer to being recognised as a place of worship in January when spire was lifted into place atop the building near Fresh-brook Village Centre which is being built with donated money. The Church is being built to serve the independent evangelical congregation in the area which hopes it will be ready by July. Below:Reverends Peter Graingerand Bernard Welch supervise the spire erection

Telethon '90 Abbey Life Roadshow - event planned for the west As part of ITV's charity event Telethon '90, Abbey Life will be running a roadshow throughout the HTV region, starting and finishing in Swindon. There will be various activities on the roadshow including: sponsored face painting by a clown, the sale of Telethon novelties, a daily children's prize draw and an auction by closed bids for items donated by other companies. As part of Abbey Life's commitment to Telethon '90, Abbey Life Swindon will donate a sum equal to the first nipnth's contribution to any plan effected through the roadshowor through the special telephone hotline Freefone Abbey Life. The Roadshow will start at Swindon's Brunel Plaza on 2 and 3 March. A fundraising event in conjunction with the roadshow is planned for West Swindon. Watch this space for details.

NEW & VIEWS

Cut back hits Saturday Kids Clinic aimed at Dads Another series of the successful babies," said Sue. "By holding Kids Clinic sessions run by local the sessions on a Saturday we Health Visitors for new parents hope fathers will come along with February. their partners to talk about starts on 3 Unfortunately Health Authority anything to do with child overspending means that the development. We'll be talking centrally located Link Centre about sleeping, crying, discipline, feeding, the importance of play, cannot be used as planned. The first session will be held in health and lots more. the Community Suite at the Link "The change from being footCentre whilst the following five loose and fancy free to being a Saturdays will be held at Toothill parent is a sudden jolt for lots of new parents. The sessions will Clinic, Deerhurst Way. Health Visitor Sue York will be provide useful information and running Kids Clinic with support." Kids Clinic meets on February Prospect gets cheque colleague Jane Lee between 10.30a.m. and 12 noon. 3 (Link Centre), 10, 17, 24 and and blankets "Kids Clinic is a follow-on from March 3, 10. No booking is parent craft classes and aims to needed but the Health Visitors The West Swindon branch of the help parents find answers to would like an idea of whose Townswomen's Guild presented questions they have about their coming. Call 642133 to tell them. a cheque for ÂŁ75 to the Prospect Foundation in January. They also Graham Roberts, Toothill and Freshbrook come together surprised fundraising development officer With so many comings and joining forces and delivering the for the Prospect, pictured above goings in the Health Visitor team, service as a team. Although one with TWG members, with a and the occasional illness, the health visitor will visit each donation of blankets and jumpers health visitors covering Toothill family, the client will also be able made by group members. and Freshbrook have decided to to call on the otherthree. It means The Townswomen's Guild combine forces to provide abetter we can give increased continuity meets on the second Thursday of service for residents. if one of us is away or ill. There each month in the Community Mary Matthews, one of the four will always be somebody in the Suite at the Link Centre. New health visitors working in the office if a client telephones." members are always welcome to combined area, explained the The four health visitors join. reasons for working more closely covering Toothill and Freshbrook together. "Until now each area are Marion Godfrey, Janet had two health visitors visiting Asherson, Mary Matthews and families. By treating Toothill and Jane Lyon. Theycanbe contacted Freshbrook as one, we will be on 642133.

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First customers. Health Visitor Chris Carter (right) and Maria Rejek with eleven month old Kristian Rejek from Melfort Close who weighed in at 23lbs l5oz

A new baby clinic has started to cater for families in Sparcells. It meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month between 2p.m. and 330p.m. in Sparcells Community Centre on Sparcells Drive and Peatmoor. The clinic is being run by Chris Carter, Health Visitor for the area. At present the clinic is restricted to weighing babies and providing advice. Chris says she would welcome any families from Sparcells and Peatmoor who would like to drop by to use the clinic. Registered Childminder in West Swindon has vacancies for 2 children. Telephone Mrs Sawyer: 481912

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New Recreation Development for Shaw Ridge Plans on view 12- 16 February at Link Centre. Views wanted. Charlotte Riggs, Landscape Architect with Thamesdown writes: ViLL& tcE.

544w

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Grange Park

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The site under discussion on Shaw Ridge

IVIL MAG1C

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THE MAGICIAN with over 25 years experience •Birthday Parties •Fetes •Playgroups

A wide variety of courses and weekend events are on offer at West Swindon's Lower Shaw Farm which is located on Old Shaw Lane. NOW WITH Once a dairy farm, Lower Shaw Farm has now been xClown i surrounded by new housing, From 3 t 300 Children. but it still provides a peaceful Telephone WIZ (Peter Watts) place where meetings, CIRC ENC ESTER weekend and summer week(0285) 653929 long courses and learning holidays take place. The farm Is a home for four SOFT WATER CENTRE adults and five children and Come and see our full range of Water Softeners including the prices charged are the NEW 19"HIGH PERMUTIT 2000E. minimum possible to keep the DOMEXTRA, BRUNER, PERMO, SEREIN AND EURO RANGE farm viable. No subsidies are IN STOCK received, but nobody should All at Unit 4, Oaklands Enterprise Estate, Braydon, Nr. Wootton be prevented from taking part Bassett. Open Saturdays ONLY 9.30am - 4pm. because of lack of funds. Ring Swindon 853156 for further information or appointment. Reductions are made for nonwage earners and those on low Incomes. The programme prices Includes accomodatlon. Telephone 771080 for a full programme and to discuss day Specialising in all aspects of high quality visiting rates. 16-18 February - Yoga & building work especially Massage. lyengar yoga and decorating, carpentry & plastering. Intuitive massage. £45 23-25 February-Voluntary work on the farm. Organic gardening All work guaranteed. Nojob too small. and other jobs around the farm. Free estimates Good company, good fun. 2-4 March - Exploring our own Telephone: 692134 (West Swindon) death. A chance to reflect on feelings about our own death

The

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Officers of the Arts and Recreation Group at Thamesdown Borough Council are currently poised to start designing the last major recreation area within an open space in West Swindon. Located at the western end of Shaw Ridge Linear Park immediately adjacent to the entrance to Lydiard Park on Hay Lane it is anticipated that the site will accommodate facilities not found elsewhere in the Borough. Alternatively it could accommodate facilities that are tried and tested favourites. It is hoped that the area will contain the first waterplay facility for children in Thamesdown. The officers at Thamesdown are looking for your ideas before they start their design. How about abowlinggreen? Acroquetlawn? An all weather surface? Tennis courts? A manege?; an area for exercising horses has already been suggested. During the week 12-16 February there will be a display at the Link Centre at which there will be opportunities to discuss your ideas with, or leave your leave your comments for, an officer of the Arts and Recreation Group. Alternatively you may let us have your views by writing to the Landscape Manager, Arts and Recreation Group, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH or by telephoning Swindon 526161 ext. 3184 or 3185. and the death of others in our lives. "Only by facing up to it can we live our lives to the full." £45 9-11 March - Basket Making. Weave a traditional basket of choice. £55 9-11 March - Photography weekend. How to take the picture you want, developing black and white, etc. 9-11 March - Rag Rug Making £45 16-18 - Voluntary work on the farm. 23-25 March - Shiatsu & Tai Chi. Discover how to relax your friends and yourself. £45

To Advertise in the Link,, ring Elizabeth Wood on 871793

A tribute to Lollipops Founder

NEWS & VIEWS Introducing the local fire crew

by Leading Fireman Andrew Hargreaves Greta Hodkin, organiser of the Welcome to the first of a series of Lollipops Toddler Group, Shaw writes: quarterly articles written by We want to pay tribute to our some of the members of Founder and mainstay these past Wiltshire Fire Brigade appointed two years, Mrs Debbie Griffiths. to serve at Westlea Fire Station She's moving onto 'pastures new' when it opens later this year. to continue work with the PreAs you may have seen from SchoolPlaygmups Associ-ation as the last issue of The Link an Area Organiser. Her skills in magazine the brigade are working with children and already maintaining afire engine parents, will now reach the wider at the Link Centre every night community. and at weekends, and this has Lollipops was founded in generated some excellent January 1988, Debbie's infeedback from residents in West novation, dedication and Swindon and from the firemen enthusiasm for children to learn serving there. and develop through conAll of us who are to serve at structive play has meant that from the new station already live in a group of approximately 12 Westlea and this gives us a children, it has now grown to 3 special sense of responsibility to groups of approximately 75 our local community. Those of children, with ever increasing us new to Westlea like myself, numbers on the waiting list. This growth has meant ever having moved from five miles increasing fund raising efforts by down the road in Wootton the group and the continual Bassett, have been spending support of members families and some of our time getting to know friends. We would like to express the area thoroughly so that we our special thanks to David will be ready to go when the Griffiths, Debbie's husband, who station opens. has given his continual support Since the beginning ofthe year throughout. Westlea firemen have already From past members it has been responded to nearly 40 calls and apparent that her direct work in these have been fairly motivating all member has eased representative of the wide the step for both the child and parent, from Toddlers to Playgroup. This can be a traumatic time as mothers do not stay at playgroup as they do in Toddler Groups. If both have been used to doing more activities, as we do in Lollipops, the change is not so noticeable. Fresh brook Debbie's introduction of an effective rota system of jobs within Community Centre the Group means that the pressure Saturday 24th was off the original dedicated helpers and onto the Group as a February whole, making growth viable. 10.30a.m. Many similar groups find the ever increasing demand on the few a 12. 30pm. great problem. We all wish Debbie and her Refreshments family well for the future and our loss will be the wider community's gain. Debbie was presented with a bracelet and a cake by members of Lollipops at her last visit on 22 January

Greendown Playgroup Jumble Sale

Andrew Hargreaves variety of tasks undertaken by firemen in the course of their duty. The first half of January alone has seen us attend house fires, chimney fires and car fires as well as road traffic accidents and petrol spillages. It is the sheer diversity of a fireman's job that makes it so interesting to him, and as the year progresses we hope to use these pages to keep you informed about the role of Wiltshire Fire Brigade in Westlea

23 There's No Place Like Home... but could your house do with a little extra care and attention? If you dream of having your home completely springcleaned or if you need regular help with chores like ironing or would just like someone to come and clean your oven Les Daniels could have the solution. Les worked as Operations Manager for a large cleaning services company and was responsible for cleaning Carrefour for five years. "I started thinking how marvellous it would be if householders could have the same service someone they could phone when they needed help with cleaning or maintenance." So Les started Homelovers in 1987 to bring domestic help to the householders of Thamesdown. Homelovers will tackle any cleaning job but it is not just a house-cleaning service. Les and his team will also handle small DIY jobs including painting or putting up shelves, or mowing lawns. You can give Les and his ladies a ring on 727926.

HOMEL 0 VERS Does your home need a little more care and attention? From a once-a-year spring clean to regular domestic help, Homelovers has the answer. All aspects of domestic help are covered by this service - ironing, window cleaning, oven cleaning, etc.

Call Les Daniels on 727926

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An advertisement in The Link has helped a young man from Stratton St. Margaret take a new direction in career. Until December Bill Baker worked for the PHH company at Windmill Hill. Then he saw an advert for training in driving heavy goods vehicles place by Cotswold HGV Training and he was on the way to making a. dream come true. "I've always been mad about trucks and have wanted to drive since I was twelve," said Bill. "Seeing the advert, for HGV

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training in Swindon, close to my home made the decision for me and I started the day I was 21, the minimum age to drive trucks." After five days intensive training just before Christmas, Bill passed his test on 3 January and he started a new jobon22January. Driving instructor with Cotswold HGV Training John Reynolds says that Bill, apart from being one of the youngest passers, has demonstrated tremendous ability. "Bill went straight in and passed the Class I test which allows him to drive anything after about 40 hours instruction. "His ability is incredible for somebody so young. He's really keen and his attitude is very good. In fact we're so impressed with him that we have entered him for the commercial certificate of the

Institute of Advanced Motorists. It's a tough test and if he gets it, Bill will be the youngest person in the country to pass." A problem for Bill was to find a job after passing his test because of his age. However he started with Howard Tenens Transport in Stratton at the end of January. In the long term he hopes to buy his own truck and start driving in Europe. Cotswold HGV Training has been operating in the town for six months and is the only training company recognised by the Road Transport Industry Training Board in Swindon. Instructor can be given in all HGV classes, fork lift trucks, plant and public service vehicles. Driving InstructorJohn Reynolds can be contacted on 831684.

John Reynolds and Bill in the cab show off the size of lorry he passed his test in

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Your New Calor Gas Main Dealer in Swindon Hotline: (0793) 613391 24 hour telephone ordering service Collections from our Depot at Bridgend Road Showroom at 14, The Orbit Centre Ashworth Road Great Western Way, Swindon Displays of Fixed gas fires, mobile cabinet heaters and miscellaneous Calor appliances

Pancake Day - Tuesday 27 February Try this tasty recipe sent to The Link by British Gas

Pancakes,. traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday, are so nutritious, satisfyin and versatile that they are too good to save for Pancake Day alone. They ar economical, quick and easy to make, they can be made in advance and storec in a freezer. Method Basic Pancake Recipe Plain Flour I. Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl lOOg (4 oz) 2. Make a well in the centre and add I Egg 250ml (pint) Milk the eggs and milk. Whisk to a smoott Pinch Salt batter. 3. Heat a frying pan with a little larc and add just enough batter to coves Use these pancakes to make the base of the pan. the following tasty recipe 4. Cook over a moderate to high gal flame until golden brown, turn anc Chicken and Stilton Pancakes cook on the other side. 8 Cooked Pancakes 5.Continue until all the batter is sisc 25g 0 oz) Plain Flour up, stacking pancakes between layers Butter 25g (I oz) of greaseproof paper. 2' oil (1hpint) Milk I75g (6 oz) Cooked Chicken, diced I Small Onion, chopped minute until the sauce thickens and i Sweetcorn 50g (2 oz) smooth. SOg (2 oz) Peas 2.Stir in the chicken, onion, sweetcorr lOOg (4 oz) Stilton Cheese, crumbled peas and cheese. Salt and Pepper 3. Heat thoroughly and use thi Method mixture to fill the pancakes, roll then I. Place the flour, butter and and place in an ovenproof dish. milk in a saucepan and bring to the 4. Cook at Gas Mark 5 for 15 - 2 boil., stirring constantly. Cook for a minutes.

Business A business which aims to make living in Swindon more pleasant is up for sale to the right person. The Company Company was started by Rosemary Watson as an off-shoot of herball gown hire shop Carriages At Three on Victoria Road. However expansion of Carriages means that she cannot devote any time to developing the introduction agency and would like to pass iton to somebody who cares about the happiness of others. "With its huge growth and turnover in population and lack of facilities, Swindon can be such a lonely place for adults living on their own," explained Rosemary. "After my partner and I opened Carriages, we started to meet people who wanted to meet other people. Some wanted to develop relationships; lots just wanted to build a circle of friends to go out with. Then we met a doctor who said he was meeting so many depressed people and we decided to do something." The Company Company was not setup as a marriage bureau oreven a dating agency says Rosemary. "Our aim is to provide the means for people to meet each other. Members pay an annual membership fee and a fee for each introduction from information

NEWS &VIEWS Book now for For Sale given in a newsletter. We stress months ahead that members should not set out looking for a partner; it's a springboard to gain confidence and build up a social life, and there have been a number of long-term partnerships formed as a result. "When we started fifteen months ago, we organised socialevents like dinner parties and theatre outings. But all we can do now is keeping it ticking over." As a large proportion of The Company Company's members live in West Swindon, Rosemary wants to reassure them that it is not closing down. "We just don't have the time to develop it to its full potential, so we're looking for the right person to sell it to. There could be much largermembership catering for the full age range, regular newsletters and social gatherings. "The business is set up, we've been through the difficult part. It has a reputable name and an existing membership. It won't make you a fortune, but run with enthusiasm, it would provide a small income and a great deal of satisfaction in helping people enjoy life in this town." To contact Rosemary Watson to discuss The Company Company telephone 790927 in the evenings.

Early booking is the advice that Mo Buscombe gives to anybody looking for top quality entertainment later in the year. Mo runs Curtain Call Travel which specialises in organising all inclusive cabaret excursions to Savvas Night Club, one of the top night clubs in Britain. Some top name artists are booked for the coming months including Bob Monkhouse, the Barron Knights, Hale and Price, the Three Degrees, Ken Dodd, Showaddywaddy, Jim Davidson and Joe Longthorne. However planning ahead is recommended says Mo. "Bookings for Jim Davidson in October and Joe Longthorne in December are going well, so make a reservation early to avoid disappointment" The trip to Savvas includes return coach trip, three course dinner from a choice of menu and a full supporting show for the featured artist. The pick up point in West Swindon is next to Gateway/Asda and a deposit of £5 secures a reservation. Book now for any of Curtain Call Travel's excursions by ringing 740817.

25 A way with words Scrabble enthusiasts now have an outlet for their word power. The newly-formed Swindon Scrabble Club meets in the Community Room at Westlea School, between 7.15p.m. and 10p.m. on a Thursday. The organisers say that the club is for all who enjoy the game. There is no age limit and no ability bar. The next get-togethers take place on 8 and 22 February and 1 March. More information from Jan Jandrell on 872693 between 6p.m and 7p.m. Below: Jan Jandrell and scrabble playing neighbour Ken Sutherland

CURTAIN

L~, CALL TRAVEL

Cabaret Evenings at Savvas Night Club Sawas Night Club cabaret excursions for 1990 to include return coach from Swindon, three course dinner (choice of menu) & full supporting show featuring the following: -

17 February 3 March 17 March 24 March 30 March (Friday) 31 March 14 April 21 April 28 April 4 May 19 May 26 May

The fabulous £22 ROSE MARIE & BILLY PEARCE WAYNE DOBSON £23 THE BLACK ABBOTTS £22 £22 BOB MONKHOUSE MICHAEL BARRYMORE MICHAEL BARRYMORE THE BARRON KNIGHTS THE GRUMBLEWEEDS THE THREE DEGREES & THE DELPHONICS JOE LONGTHORNE THE SEARCHERS DUNCAN NORVILLE

£27 £27 £22 £22 £27 £27 £23 £25

2 June THE DRIFTERS CHAS AND DAVE 9 June KEN DODD 16 June 14 September THE IVY LEAGUE 22 September SHOWADDYWADDY 20 October DUNCAN NORVILLE 27October JIM DAVIDSON 10 November THE BARRON KNIGHTS 17 November CANNON & BALL 24 November THE SEARCHERS 1 December HALE & PACE 8 December THE DRIFTERS 16, 21, 22 December JOE LONGTHORNE

£24 £23 £23 £22 £23 £25 £25 £25 £26 £24 £26 £26 £30

NO 'All Male parties only' admitted

For Reservations/Quotations telephone Curtain Call on Swindon 740817

NEWS & VIEWS We went to the Boat Show

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We need friendly, enthusiastic people to sell our bright and informative children's books. If you have a car and a telephone and would enjoy a rewarding part-time job, contact Liz Mann on 872081 for further details.

Following a module of work on the theme of designing, building, anc marketing boats, six students from Greendown School were sponsorec by Child's Play International to visit the London Boat Show. Nathan O'Sullivan wrote a short report. We went to see The Boat Show at veal scuba diving equipment anc Earls Court. The first boat we ad inghy. There was a boat simu went on belonged to Westerleys. lator which was on hydrauli We also looked at the 'Moody' pistons. There was a lifeboat anc which which was a wind pow- we entered a competition ii ered boat which took 12 weeks to which we won a stationary set. Upstairs there was 'wind-surf build. The cabins had beds, bathing world' with a simulator of rooms and a microwave. We saw a really expensive wind surf board. We would like to thank Childs cabin cruiser with leather seats, a leather trimmed dining table and Play International for sending us a back seat which opened to re- It was very interesting. Relaxing on a cruiser, from left to right, Kathryn Leonard, Louise Mackie, Vick Roberts, Nathan O'Sullivan, Timothy West and Anthony Quilley

PRETTY LADY Bridal and Evening Gowns Made just for You Ring Angela on Swindon 872612

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Continuous performance So many students were struck down by 'flu in December that th Greendown School Christmas Pantomime had tobe postponed unti late January. Even then the week of performances were disrupted by the ba weather and one show had to be held over to the following week Entitled "He's Behind Yer", the Panto written by Jules Dowling, Hen of Creative Arts featured every panto character ever created. Spot the main characters below, standing from the left, Cheryl Davis a Cinders, Matthew Volpetto as an Ugly Sister, Kajal Sumaiya as the Gen Kirsty Hillier played one of the children, Vicki Leverton was the Kin Sitting from the left, Kerri Jacks as the Princess Lania Shutekas Button Simone Cripps as a Flint stone, Ileesha Bailey as Puss in Boots.

FORK LIFT DRIVERS, LOADERS, DRIVERS, MATES, PRODUCTION LINE ASSISTANTS ASSIGNMENTS ARE VARIED, INTERESTING AND ARE AVAILABLE IN MOST AREAS OF SWINDON. WE PAY EXCELLENT RATES AND DEAL ONLY WITH REPUTABLE COMPANIES. PLEASE CALL JULIE ON 0793 481301

27 Commercial Road, Swindon, Wilts. (open Saturday 9.00a.m. - 12.00p.m.)

If you've got a West Swindon story, call The Link Magazine on 872282

NEWS & VIEWS Tax changes mean advice is a good idea Tax is becoming more and more complicated and the tax saving opportunities have been reduced considerably by successive Budgets in recent years. However, the radical changes due in April for husbands and wives will help redress the situation for many married couples. It is estimated that approxima tely two million people will gain from the new rules, but many married couples will need to plan in advance to maximise the non-automatic gains to be realised. These gains can be substantial and will be of a recurring nature. Careful consideration should be given to the way in which investments are held between husband and wife to enable the wife to use her own personal allowance. There will also be greater flexibility for mortgage interest relief even where the mortgage is in the name of one spouse only. There will be considerable advantages to be gained by many

married pensioners with the special changes being introduced for the over-65's but again planning ahead is very important. There will be one drawback In early April twice as many tax returns will be dropping through our letter boxes as these will in future be issued to wives as well as husbands. On the one hand a victory for equality, but on the other hand a task which no-one relishes! Caroline Ockwell has recently established her own taxation consultancy business in Swindon which can offer advice on how to reduce your tax bill and also undertake the onerous task of dealing with all the tedious paperwork and checking that the taxman has got his sums right! Caroline has had twenty years' experience in the taxation field and became an Associate of thelnstitute of Taxation in 1975. She has worked forinternational accountants, Grant Thornton, and also one of the oldest established firms of chartered accountants in the City of London.

Caroline has been working in her home town of Swindon for a local finn for the last eight years prior to setting up her own business. Caroline can advise on all aspects of income tax, capital gains tax, and also inheritance tax, a tax which is often overlooked until it is too late. Caroline Ockwell

27 Inheritance tax is essentially a tax on death and is charged on estates over ÂŁ118,000 at a 40% tax rate. With today's property values in West Swindon, even allowing for the recent decline, this tax is obviously going to affect the majorityofus soonerorlater! There are ways, however, of lessening the burden for your beneficiaries, and again, although no-one likes to think about such morbid topics, planning ahead can save a lot of headaches for your children. After all, it is your family who you wish to benefit from your lifetime savings, not the Inland Revenue! For further advice, Caroline can be contacted on Swindon 725919 Remember 5 April will soon be upon us!

Worried about the Poll Tax? It's nearly here. A lot of people are still confused about what effect the Poll Taxis going to have on their lives. Jean Kiddie of the Toothill Advice Centre explains how you can pay It or what might happen If you don't. She also asks whether you are entitled to a rebate.

The Toothill Advice Point has a large stock of leaflets, produced by Thamesdown LawCentre, explaining some of the problems people may be facing regarding paying the Poll Tax. The individual Poll Tax can be paid in 10 monthly instalments from April to January, or in one yearly lump sum in advance. Thamesdown Council rent collectors have as yet no plans to collect the Poll Tax from council house tenants paying rent, which means you will either have to go to the Civic Offices in town once a month to pay your bill, send it by post, or pay by Direct Debit if you have a bank account. The Poll Tax leaflet briefly explains about "Transitional Relief" which could affect some pensioners and disabled people, who were not former rate payers, nor rent payers, or the partners of former rate payers or rent payers. Transitional Relief will also be available to people whose Poll Tax bill will be substantially higher than their Rates bill. Parents will not be liable for non payment of Poll Tax by their "over 18 year olds" living in the house but, couples are liable for any arrears that their partner might run up following a separation, or split up of the matrimonial home, which means a wife with no income of her own, could be held responsible for

her deserting husband's unpaid Poll Tax, and vice-versa. It is also worth pointing out that if one monthly instalment has been missed, the right to pay by instalments is lost, and the remainder of the full year's Poll Tax becomes payable. If no payment is made, the Council must apply to the Magistrates Court for a Liability Order against the non payer. After a Liability Order has been made, the Council can require the person to hand over "relevant information", which can include details of employment, sources of income, savings, etc. On this information, the Council can decide on a number of options:Attachment of Earnings, or deductions from Income Support, or distraint - that is sending in the Bailiffs to seize personal possessions and putting them up for sale. (It may be difficult to prove who owns certain belongings in the household as these could be jointly owned, when only one person has not paid the Poll Tax, or gifts given to over 18 year olds, etc). If the Council has tried distraint without success, it can apply to the Court to have the non payer committed to prison. This is only allowed if failure to pay is due to "wilful refusal or culpable neglect". The maximum sentence is 3 months, but liability to pay the Poll Tax continues whilst in prison for non

payment. The non payer can ask the Court to write off the arrears, butthis cannotbeasked tountilthe Council applies to commit the non payer to prison. Could you qualify for a rebate? There will be many more people entitled to a Poll Tax rebate than those at present qualifying for a rate rebate, so if you think you might be entitited to a Poll Tax rebate, rebate forms can be obtained from Toothill Advice Point, Toothill Community Centre, or West Swindon Advice Point, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Or just write to Thamesdown Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon and ask for a Poll Tax Rebate form.

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1?EEIsI TE.NDEIsJIES Plant a tree and Can Bank may not be so easy help conservation - but groups could cash in There's a chance to get out into the open and plant a tree for a good cause. The local branch for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) is holding a sponsored tree plant on Sunday 11 February on the edge of West Swindon and readers are invited to pull on their wellies and join in. The BTCV group in association with the Allied Dunbar staff conservation group and Thamesdown Council's parks department are organising the event, which is part of the British Trust's Plant A Million Trees' campaign. All you have to do is turn up, pay1 (50p for children) and plant a small tree. The council is providing the trees free and the money raised will go to the conservation group for future projects. The planting site will be found between Westlea and Barnfield Road dump. To get there, park next to the incinerator at Barnfield Road or walk from the Withy Meads Play area at Westlea and head for the incinerator chimney. Look out for the signs. For more information ring Tim Miller or 876555 or Simon Smith on 523290.

hoM.y

Rear of Gilberts, Marlborough Road, Old Town For estimates, Telephone 539913 or 871808 (eves.) Modern and Traditional • Commercial and Domestic

Freshbrook School has 3 vacancies for Crossing Patrol Persons 1) Gainsborough Way entrance 2) Worsley Road entrance 3) Rowton Heath Way (by Subway) 1 Hour 5 minutes per day 8.35a.m. - 9.10a.m. 3.25p.m. - 3.55p.m. Rate of pay £2.96 per hour Please contact the school office for further details. Telephone: 872800. Supply Teachers Freshbrook School are currently updating their list of Supply Teachers and would be grateful if any teachers interested in covering classes during staff absences, through illness and courses, etc. would contact the school with details. Telephone: 872800.

Babysitter in Nine Elms Responsible & reliable person required for baby siting on occasional week-ends. Must live in the Nine Elms area. Tel:873825 after 5pm.

Last month The Link magazine called for a can bank to be set up in West Swindon so that the interest in recycling aluminium cans following the massive nationwide collection by viewers of the Blue Peter Programme could be continued. Although there isn't much enthusiasm for setting up can banks from waste merchants, the Aluminium Can Recycling Association in Birmingham has set up a scheme which allows community organisations to raise cash from can collections. Marion Findlay, spokeswoman for the Association has not been encouraging can banks for a number of reasons. "We're keen to get community groups saving cans and taking them to re-cycling centres around the country. This means they bring only aluminium cans and will receive cash for what they bring. "Only 50% of beverage cans are aluminium and we've found that people don't seperate them from the steel ones. You get cans with beer in them as well as old dog food cans dumped in can banks. It can get very messy and

in hot weather it can become a health hazard. "It's curious that glass is seen as a resource to re-cycle, but cans are looked upon as just rubbish. I think the Blue Peter Appeal has done a lot to raise awareness of the aluminium can as a high value, re-usable item."

Money could have been made from this can collection dumped in a hole left by the Electricity Board on the corner of Leslie Close and Rowton Heath Way, Freshbrook SH

Raising Cash From Cans

aluj;p r

C'4N5

The Aluminium Can Recycling Association scheme was launched last year to encourage community groups to raise money by collecting aluminium cans. Under the campaign slogan 'Don't Trash It, Cash It', the Association has set up a network of collection centres around the country which will pay for the cans delivered to them. At present the price paid is between 40p and 60p per kg. (about 50 cans). Any school, scout group, playgroup or other group which needs money could raise funds for their activities by collecting, sorting and taking them to a re-cycling centre. The Association will supply bio-degradable plastic collecting bags, magnets, posters and publicity information to groups interested in raising cash from cans. Write to Marion Findlay, Aluminium Can Recycling Association, 1-Mex House, 52 Blucher Street, Birmingham BI IQU for details. The Swindon collecting centre is Cooper Metals, Bridge House, Gypsy Lane, Gorse Hill. Contact Mr Reynolds on 524095.

• Letters to The Link

No Go Nursery

•

Freshbrook Playgroup require an Assistant Supervisor with from Karen Stevenson, Goldsbo rough Close, Westlea some experience. Apply in writing Some readers will remember reading proposed project in great detail, to The Secretary, The Playgroup a short article by me, in last summer's having talks with Social Services, Freshbrook Community Centre, Link magazine, regarding setting UP Thamesdown Borough Council, the a nursery in West Swindon, and Local Health Authority and Estate Worsley Road, Freshbrook. asking if people interested would Agents and others with experience in this field, it is clear that the costs write to me. I would like to thank all those who involved would be too high to Colour Dark Room Kit (also black & did write, but I must now sadly anticipate this venture without white) includes enlarger, trays, safe apologise to all those whose hopes outside (non Bank) funding. I think that it is crying shame that lights, processing drum. £90 o.n.o. were raised. After looking into the national governmentis not committed Tel: 871993 Sales and wants can be advertised to providing the sort of facilities for Double Electric Train set plus acce- in The Link at 15p per word, our children, that I looked to ssories £80. Ice Hockey Skates, 12 Inclusive of VAT. Cash with sale to providing. I don't see why only those £15; LARGE Snooker table/legs The Link, 13 Castle Dore, able to pay, should have access to the £30; Sack Trolley £10 Wheelbarrow Freshbrook, Swindon by 20th of best for their children. More letters on page 30 the month. £15 Tel: 495140 eves/weekends

HOME & GARDEN

Dreams can come true at Curtain Dream For Iris and Richard Gardiner the last two years has been a hectic, but satisfying time. In setting up Curtain Dream in Havelock Street, they took a step into something completely new and are enjoying themselves greatly. "We had been planning to set up a business for some time and were looking fora franchise," said

Iris. "With Richard's background in the fashion industry, Curtain Dream was just right for us when it was launched." The Curtain Dream colourful and interesting shop window looks out on Havelock Street, one of Swindon's few 'traditional' shopping streets. Surprisingly people still come into the shop

Iris and Richard Gardiner in their Havelock Street shop

with its hundreds of curtain samples, and now a recently delivered range of sofas and chairs, having just discovered it. "Furnishing a room or a house can be very confusing," explained Iris. "There are so many combinations of colour, style and finish that people need help. Providing personal attention to customers is very important to us and our service extends beyond the shop. I visit the home to measure and estimate and Richard does the fitting. We can provide curtains for one window

or for the whole house, and can assist you choose the best curtains in harmony with existing furniture. "Its been eighteen months since we actually opened and I think we're only just becoming known. It's been hard work and long hours, but I couldn't go back into an office environment now. Pleasing our customers is really enjoyable." Curtain Dream can be found at 38 Havelock Street in Swindon and their telephone number is 513701.

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Concentrate on Colour Claire Beaton suggests ways to brighten up February February is a short month but the the dry periods (not many of those lengthening days make the long in winter) and protection in a shod absence of flowers since last or against the house walls during summer become more and more hard frosts or snow. noticeable. Have a look around Primroses also are an obvious now and appreciate where there choice for any container. There are are some patches of bright colour; gorgeous colour ranges available it is well worth keeping a note of now; as plants in pots, seedlings what looks good. Perhaps it will be ready for potting or seeds. They an inspiration for some plans of can be planted in beds as well but it your own next winter. is more likely they will be attacked It is difficult to grow many of the by birds and slugs there. Oddly usually recommend early enough, the winter flowering flowering bulbs in cold wet soil. pansies seem a little more immune Bulbs tend to have too short a from this destruction. Often called growing season to pump them up Universal Pansies, these are for next year, the damp can rot frequently the basis of extensive them easily and slugs will eat the winter bedding schemes in parks flowers! But there are other plants and in tubs dotted around town that can be used, or strategies with centres. It also seems that every bulbs that will avoid these Garden Festival comes up with an problems. ever more striking scheme: I can Winter flowering plants are best remember at Liverpool that there appreciated when planted close to was a sea of pansies in all shades of the house where their pools of clear blue woven around a hill slope colour can be easily and often topped with a fishing boat. At enjoyed. If planted in a small bed Glasgow there was a bowl sculpted under the house eaves, the drainage from mounds of earth with its inner will be better and there will be surface a colour wheel with close shelter from the heavier rains. planted segments of pansies each South and west facing positions in different shades. are better still since these will see This is the point at which to most sun during the summer and mention this year's Garden Festival so ripen the bulbs. Another atGateshead which runs from May possibility is to plant up a window to September. Among with the box or tub in the autumn to keep many diversions that will have little just outside a window. When to do with gardening: monorail containers are cleared of summer rides, steam trains, street theatre beddingin September, a mixture of and boating marinas: there are crocus, dwarf tulips and narcissus bound to be amazing ideas for can be planted in the old soil. The plants. A good excuse fora holiday containers can be leftoutdoors then in a different part of Britain, to the and will only need a little water in Lake District or Wales.

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• Letters to the Link

Letters with full name and address should be sent to The Link, 13 Castle Dore, Freshbrook, Swindon by the 20th of the month

More views on dogs From H M Brown of Cabot Drive, Grange Park

I note with interest the letter from Mrs B in the January edition of The Link following on as it did fromthe dogrelated article in the December edition. I feel there now is a need to redress the balance being one of those heinous dog owners myself. Let me begin by unfortunately agreeing with some of what Mrs B has said and without being too condescending I would put the blame at the door of the inconsiderate dog owner. Over the Christmas period we heard all too much of the inconsiderate dog owners who tire of their pet. However please do not label us all in the same vein. I would point out that my dog does use my garden when necessary however a dog needs exercise the same as any human and unfortunately there will be times when it is stimulated by smells on the ground and it is these times that considerate dog owners do attempt to minimise the problem. Ijust wonder whether Mrs B has a cat,I personally do not, but I continually have to clear my garden of other From Mrs Raine of Warneford Close, Toothill

Jam writing to you in reply to Mrs B of Grange Park's letter concerning problems associated with having a dog (Link No 94). She gave me the impression that she thought that all dog owners were in a class of their own. I ama wife and a mother of two young children, and yes, the owner of a gorgeous little dog. The difference between us the dog owners who Mrs B was discussing, is that we take our dog out on a lead, to an area of woodland which is not of public use. It is the dog owners who let their dogs run stray that need to be penalised, not the owners who dearly love and care for their animals. Yes, I do walk in dogs 'poos' when I go out but Jam quite certain that no one can knock on my front door and blame me for allowing my dog to foul the pathways. I do have one main concern though, and that is I would like to say that cat owners need to take more care over their animals. I constantly have cats fouling in my front garden, killing my plants and making my own garden a dirty smelly place and most certainly unfit to let my children play in. From Mr W.B of Toothill

At last we have had another letter about dog filth. This from Mrs B. of Grange Park. Around Toothill we have this filth all the year round, but far worse in Winter, because people keep their animals off the wet grass, and let them foul the pathways instead. It is quite useless to appeal to these disgusting people, and there is but one way to put a stop to it. There should be a licence fee of at least £50, so that wardens can be employed to control dogs, and their owners. We would soon see how many 'dog lovers' we have in our midst! Abandoned trolleys are becoming more common, I notice, and even the kids won't collect them for 20p. Still, it's far better than it used to be. Walking around the district, as I do lam appalled by the amount of rubbish which is thrown into the nearest ditch, or on waste grass. We have such an excellent waste collection service in Swindon, and one wonders about the mentality of people who simply have to dispose of rubbish outside their own property. Let's have a good clean-up before the whole place becomes a slum area!

people's cat mess. So how about letters on that subject! I would go on to suggest that pets have been and will continue to be part of the society we live in, be they dogs, cats or budgies. I hope Mrs B reads the article in the same edition as her letter, concerning the problems our street cleaners have to put up with. Instead of singling out one small section of society let us get down to the crux of the matter. One of the things I would totally agree with Mrs B on is that the pathways, verges and walkways are absolutely disgusting, not simply because of dog owners but because of the Swindon, and indeed this country's, residents dumping all sorts of rubbish. So please Mrs B and all others in the anti-dog lobby extend your horizons to the realproblems of the environment.

In appreciation of Street cleaners From Hinves Family, Fowey, Freshbrook

Our family are 'newcomers' to West Swindon and thoroughly enjoy living in Freshbrook. Our only disappointment is the abundance of litter everywhere. To get a feel of the area we went exploring the paths, mounds, small parks, bike tracks, up toLydiard and down toToothill, out to Blagrove and over to Westlea. We have seen complete Council signs, planks of wood, sheets of plywood, blocks and lengths of wood,shopping trolleys, bundles of newspapers,a stackof your own magazines stuffed into a hedge down a path to Windmill Hill School, plastic bags full of household rubbish and of course the more usual litter, cans, bottles, wrappers - what there is in short supply is Rubbish Bins. The path alongside Elsie Hazell Court is always a sorry sight, there are rubbish bins outside the shop (also a litter sign!) but none elsewhere on the path. When I was asked by a couple of our neighbours how we liked living here, we said "great, but all the litter", their reply "can't say we've noticed". Last summer my youngest daughter thought we would walk to the Link Centre. We walked through the underpass, she commented how 'yukky' it was, we passed over the stream ditch and said what a mess. On our way back, as if they had heard, two council men were cleaning out the ditch, we stopped, much to their surprise and told them what we had said. We chatted about the messy situation and ended up by thanking them for doinga necessary job. Then just after Christmas once again, out for a stroll my daughter and I came across Ray and his mate cleaning out the storm drains /ditch along the bike trackbetween Mannington/Blagrove, as usual he was doing a great job. Bundles of free newspapers, fence poles, shopping trolleys, broken branches all being removed, we stopped to say 'hello' and to thank him. He said it was a thankless job. Come on people of West Swindon, take pride in your lovely suburbs and help Ray to clean it up. It doesn't take much effort and costs nothing to ask your children not to drop litter, but to put it in a bin or pop it into their pockets till they get home. When you next go for a walk, just take a look into thebushes and corners at the rubbish, you'll be shocked. Then try to imagine it without litter - looks great, doesn't it. Also, how about a competition for the cleanest area like your competition for the best garden. P.S. Keep up the good work Ray!

Good shortcut to work From Mrs J B Brown of Cabot Drive, Grange Park

I am writing in answer to Mr J Adams (Road Destruction) Link No 94. I would like to know if he has tried getting to work in the mornings. The new road from Grange Park to Shaw (old Hay Lane) road is a Godsend to me and other alike, as it only takes me ten minutes from my house to Cheney Manor, it means I don't have to go down to Whitehill Way. Yes it has been badly designed, with two nastybends, most users feel that they should be straightened.

Vacuum cleaner blues From Mrs S Mitchell of Moresby Close, Westlea.

I read with interest your article entitled 'Nice machine, doubtful marketing' concerning the Kirby cleaner. In October, I too received a telephone call telling me I had won a holiday in either Spain or Malta for which I only had to provide my own air fare to get to the destination. I was told that an agent would deliver my voucher but was asked if I would be prepared to give up 1 / 2 hour of my time to watch a product being demonstrated for which my opinion would be valued. I was asked to be sure that my husband was also present, in fact it was insisted by the caller that he was. I was told that the Company were not selling anything and that my comments on the product were simply needed for market research. The agent arrived at the appointed time and immediately told me that he did not have the holiday voucher with him as he needed to check my post code. He also said that he was a salesman selling Kirby cleaners. The demonstration began and it was 'hard sell' right from the word go, something which Jam afraid never impresses me. After almost an hour of non stop 'selling' a telephone call called him away urgently. I have since heard however, that a full demonstration actually takes 2 hours and not half an hour. I waited and waited for my holiday voucher. I telephoned the company and they said they would send it. Having still not received it I telephoned the Trading Standards Office and the following morning my voucher arrived. Frankly,I was not impressed with their whole method of operation and such a technique would never induce me to buy a product however good it might be. From Gordon Harrow of Middleleaze I too had someone on my doorstep who gave me a card saying that I might win a holiday. We were quite pleased at the thought of going off to the Meditarranean. Then I had a 'phone call telling me that we had in fact won a holiday in Spain or Malta. Great. But then I was told this was for accomodation only; we had to get ourselves there. And we could only get the voucher if we agreed to have a demonstration of this vacuum cleaner which is supposed to do everything. I think your readers who havn't already had a visit from people offering them a hàliday should be careful of what they agree to. It could turn out quite expensive. Clothing Alterations & Repairs. Tel: 872096 Mrs. White, Freshbrook

THE REFERENCE PAGE Ecumenical Parish of West Swindon & The Lydiards

LOCAL COUNCILLORS TOOTHILL, WESTLEA, SHAW & ROUGHMOOR/SPARCELLS Thamesdown Borough Council Tony Free, Toothill Farmhouse, Bodiam Drive, Toothill. Tel: 619834 Ricky Midwinter, 4Anglesey Close, Westlea. Tel: 873537 Peter Stoddart, 9 Fairlawn, Liden. Tel: 692812 Surgeries for Free & Midwinter: Friday 6pm-7pm, Community Room, Toothill School. Wiltshire County Council Alan Winmill, I The Holbeins, Grange Park. Tel:875129

FRESHBROOK & GRANGE PARK Thamesdown Borough Council Simon Cordon, 16 Branksome Road, Moreden. Tel: 617723 Martin Leighfield, 112 Redcliffe Street, Swindon. Tel: 692305 Bob Pixton, 12 Lambert Close, Freshbrook. Tel: 695317 Surgeries for Leighfield & Pixton: Wednesday 7pm-7.30pm, Community Room, Freshbrook School. Wiltshire County Council: Simon Cordon - as above. INFORMATION FOR NEW ARRIVALS Arrivals Officer: Pam Pixton. She makes visits, provides advice and an information booklet about community facilities. Tel: 695317. Newcomers Coffee Morning: Monday I0am-12 noon (without children) Tuesday 10.30am-12noon (with children). Community Suite, Link Centre.

Health Visitor Team, 4 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 642133/610459. Baby Clinics: Mon 1.30-4pm 5 Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Wed I0.30am-12.30pm Shaw Church (entrance rear door). Wed 2pm-4pm Greendown School, Grange Park. Thurs 2pm-4pm Freshbrook Community Centre. Thurs. (2nd & 4th of month) 2pm-3.30pm Sparcells Community Centre Fri 2pm-4pm Upper Shaw Farm, Shaw Ridge. Family Planning: Free clinics every Wednesday 6-8pm. 5 Deerhurst Way. No appointment necessary. Cervical Smear Tests.

Welfare Benefits, Housing, Debt Counselling Advice West Swindon Advice Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way, Freshbrook. Mon, Wed & Fri 10am-12noon. Tel: 871303 Toothill Advice Point, Toothill Community Centre. Tues. 10am-12noon.

THE CHURCH nglican-Methodist-U.R.C.-Baptist. Church Office Tel: 874221. reshbrook Evangelical Church. Sac: D. Linnecar Tel: 872884. t. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Tel: 874400. mal Mohammadia Prayer Group. Mr. Khan Tel: 481986

Please Telephone 876211 ANYTIME

HILLIER FUNERAL SERVICE LTD

Pharmacies • Ashington Way Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon; Sun II .3Oam-12.3Opm Tel: 616840. • Coopers, West Swindon Centre: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm Tel: 872033. • G.K. Chemists, Shaw Village Centre: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9am-6.30pm; Thurs. 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed I-2pm. Tel: 886076. • Ralph Palmer Pharmacy, 3 Deerhurst Way, Toothill: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm & 2-6pm; Sat 9am-I2noon. Tel: 512063. • The Village Pharmacy, Freshbrook Village Centre: Mon-Fri 9am-lpm & 2.15pm-7pm; Sat 9am-12.30pm. Tel: 870226.

WELFARE BENEFITS ADVICE POINTS

No Garage Prices or Waiting

You don't have to be suicidal to share your problems with us. Phone anytime day or night, or call into 6 Curtis Street, Swindon between 8am and 10pm

LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES

et Shaw Village Centre. Tel: 881919. Mon.-Fri- 8.30am-6pm, 8pm-10pm; Sat. 9am-12.30pm

E COME TO YOU Non-Starts *Servicing 'Tuning • M.O.T. Work 'Breakdowns • Electrical Faults *Clutches fitted

DESPERATE? LONELY? SUICIDAL?

Doctors • Ketkar, Matheson, Nixon, E. Holden, C. Holden, Chippendale, Means & Swinyard, Ashington House, Ashington Way, Westlea. Tel: 614840. • Doctor C. Reddy, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 870494. • Doctor Godbole, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw. Tel: 874894. • Doctor Kandiah, I Deerhurst Way, Toothill. Tel: 511253 & Sparcells Drive, Sparcells. Tel: 881928.

ptician RJ Holmes, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 870011

MOBILE MECHANIC

Anglican, Methodist, U.R.C., Baptist. Toothill Rev. Ian Handscomb 693384 Rev. Anne Thomas 496421 St. Mary's LTregoze for Freshbrook & Grange Park Rev. Tony Price 870244 Westlea Rev. John Flory 770217 t Shaw and Sparcells Rev. Keith Boxali 770568 Rev. Helen Drummond 874372 t also All Saints, L. Millicent

Toddler Out West, a useful booklet listing everything parents need to knowabout groups and facilities for under 5's, is available from the Community Suite at the Link Centre.

entists Brendan Ball & Associates, Freshbrook Village Centre. Tel: 873044. Mrs. Beagley, Town Square, West Swindon Centre. Tel: 872340.

55 Victoria Road Swindon Tel: 22797

252 Whitworth Road Swindon Tel: 22145

PRIVATE CHAPELS OF REST 24-hour personal service throughout the year I

A FAMILY BUSINESS OFFERING HELP AND ADVICE WHEN MOST NEEDED

Morrison & Masters TOWN SQUARE, WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TELEPHONE 870055 for

House Sales and Purchases & all Property Work (written estimates given) Divorce, Criminal and all Court work Wills and Probates WEST SWINDON'S ONLY SOLICITORS! Also at 20 Commercial Road, Swindon. Telephone: 526601 and 69a Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Telephone: 481602

TITCOM BE

WESTMEAD DRIVE, WESTLEA, SWINDON â€” TEL (0793) 641643

GARAGE LIMITED

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Tewkesbury Way